Week 25, 2025 was marked by historic political decisions on Swedish defence financing, several significant materiel contracts, and new industrial activity within the defence sector. Below is a comprehensive overview of the week's most important defence news.

Domains

Air

  • France has announced its intention to acquire two examples of Saab's airborne early warning and control aircraft, the GlobalEye. A letter of intent was signed by Saab and the French defence procurement agency DGA (Direction Générale de l'Armement) during the Paris Air Show. The agreement includes an option for two additional aircraft as well as ground equipment, training, and support. No contract has yet been signed. Read more
  • Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark have signed a letter of intent to join NATO's multinational fleet for air-to-air refuelling and transport aircraft, the MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) fleet. The agreement was signed by the countries' defence ministers in connection with the NATO ministerial meeting on 5 June in Brussels, and covers strategic air transport, air-to-air refuelling, and medical evacuation. Read more

Naval

  • The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed an agreement with Saab for the delivery of the Giraffe 4A radar system under the Sensor System New programme. The system will replace the Swedish Armed Forces' older PS-871 radar and strengthen the air and maritime situational picture. The contract is worth approximately 1.4 billion SEK and the first system will be delivered in 2026. Read more

Cyber

  • The Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) are joining the NorthStar innovation programme, driven by Telia and Ericsson, to test advanced 5G technology in military communications, logistics, and positioning, with the aim of strengthening Sweden's defence capability. Read more

Policy & Strategy

  • The Swedish government and all parliamentary parties have agreed on a cross-party agreement on loan-financed rearmament of Sweden's total defence. Up to 300 billion SEK may be financed through borrowing between 2026 and 2034, of which a maximum of 50 billion SEK may be used for civil defence. The goal is to reach 3.5 per cent of GDP in defence expenditure, in line with NATO's expected requirements. Read more
  • Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark have signed a strategic partnership agreement with Nammo AS (a Norwegian-Finnish ammunition and rocket motor manufacturer) covering the production, delivery, and maintenance of ammunition for peacetime, crisis, and wartime, with the aim of strengthening supply security and increasing production capacity. Read more
  • MW Group is launching Kontregarde, a new company focused on strengthening the Nordic total defence's exercise and training capability. Kontregarde will deliver training infrastructure, shooting ranges, and training support to government agencies, security organisations, and the private market. Read more

Industry

  • Knowit is acquiring the Swedish consultancy Milso AB, which specialises in technical services within the defence sector, for 47 million SEK. Milso's clients include the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), and the defence industry. The acquisition aims to strengthen Knowit's position within the defence sector. Read more
  • Expando is introducing a new category of ruggedised computers in smaller form factors, so-called ultra and small form factor computers, adapted for operation in space-constrained and demanding environments within defence, aerospace, and naval systems. The systems are designed for low power consumption and real-time tasks. Read more
  • Freemelt has received an order for its Freemelt ONE 3D printer from an actor within the Swedish defence industry. The machine will be used in materials development for defence applications. The order value amounts to approximately 4.2 million SEK, with delivery planned during the second quarter of 2025. Read more

Week 25 is summarised by a broad spectrum of events, from historic political decisions on Swedish defence financing to concrete materiel contracts and new industrial capacity, which together reflect the ongoing rearmament within Swedish and Nordic defence.