The Swedish government has decided that the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) will expand its air defence capability by establishing a future territorial air defence. The investment amounts to approximately 15 billion kronor.
In a press release from the Swedish government, it is stated that the Swedish Armed Forces are to produce, train, and equip a number of units that will be able to protect military units, the military defence's mobilisation capability, cities, and civil infrastructure.
According to the press release, the territorial air defence will primarily be short-range, consist of independent units at company size, and be based on simple systems that can be combined with various weapon, radar, and technical systems. The units will be mobile or tied to specific geographical areas. An initial comprehensive order to the industry is planned for the first quarter of 2026.
– "The experiences from the war in Ukraine clearly demonstrate how crucial a robust and sustainable air defence is. By establishing territorial air defence units, we complement the existing air defence and strengthen the protection of mobilisation and military units. This raises the threshold against attacks, strengthens Sweden's defence capability, and simultaneously contributes to NATO's collective deterrence and defence," says Sweden's Minister of Defence, Pål Jonson, in the press release.
The press release also states that the government has previously tasked the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (Myndigheten för civilt försvar, MCF), formerly MSB, and the Swedish Armed Forces with providing a joint assessment of how cities and civil infrastructure can be protected against aerial threats. The assignment is to be reported on 16 February 2026.