The government presents in the budget proposal for 2026 the largest investment in defense since the Cold War. Allocations increase by 26.6 billion SEK, corresponding to an 18 percent increase compared to 2025. With the proposed levels, defense expenditures are estimated to reach 2.8 percent of GDP in 2026 and 3.1 percent from 2028, according to NATO's accounting practices. The government intends to gradually reach 3.5 percent by 2030.

The investments encompass personnel, equipment, and industry. To meet the need for more employees and conscripts, the compensation for total defense conscripts is raised from the current level to 200 SEK per day, which corresponds to an increase of 1,620 SEK per month. The cadet compensation for officer candidates is increased from 175 to 240 SEK per day, an increase of 1,950 SEK per month. Additionally, the Swedish Defence Recruitment Agency is allocated funds for the development of a new enrollment test, a new information system, and an expansion of civil duty.

On the equipment side, an addition to allocation 1:3 of over 4.7 billion SEK is proposed for 2026, followed by 6.7 billion in 2027 and 7.5 billion in 2028. The total increase for equipment and facilities amounts to nearly 12 billion compared to 2025. Among the major planned procurements in 2026 are air defense, rocket artillery, ammunition, and combat vehicles for the army, new surface combat ships and combat boats for the navy, as well as tactical transport aircraft and long-range strike capability for the air force.

The government also proposes increased investments in innovation and research. 50 million SEK is allocated from 2026 to a strengthened equipment development program, while a defense innovation unit and an establishment office for industrial collaboration will be set up. The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) is provided with resources for research infrastructure and work with groundbreaking technology.