Sweden increases defense expenses. “We'll support Poland”

Sweden will increase defense expenditure in the budget for 2026 by almost 27 billion of crowns (approx. EUR 2.48 billion) – announced on Monday the Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson. The head of government in Stockholm maintained the declaration of military assistance to Poland after a Russian attack using drones.

Sweden's defense budget is to increase next year by 18 percent. from 148 to 175 billion crowns, i.e. 2.8 percent GDP. – This is the first step to achieving the NATO goal, which is the purpose of 3.5 percent. GDP for defense – emphasized Kristersson at a press conference.

The prime minister added that the funds will be allocated to “very large investments in armament systems and other defense equipment for the Land Forces, the Air Force and Navy.” Another novelty is to increase the daily pay rate for conscripts from today's 175 to 240 crowns (approx. 22 euros). This is the first such increase since 2017, when universal consumption to the army was restored in Sweden.

Investments in the army will partly come from the state loans. Earlier, Sweden, which is one of the least indebted countries in Europe, taking into account the public sector, loosened its policy, determining the purpose of the “sustainable budget” instead of the surplus in recent years.

Kristersson, referring to last week's attack of Russian drones on Poland, confirmed that “we are dealing with deliberate action.” – We know that this is the Russian side, that they did it especially – he noted. – It happened very close to us, it could have affected any other country near Russia, which supports Ukraine – he continued.

Asked by journalists about the Declaration of Sweden regarding the provision of military assistance in Poland, he replied that “findings are underway in this matter.” – Coordination is important, we do not want us to duplicate with other countries – he explained.

The Minister of Defense of Sweden Pal Jonson clarified that first talks with Poland were underway, then with the Swedish armed forces, and then at NATO level.

The Swedish government, although one of the first, initially reported a desire to help Poland in the form of a navy and the Air Force, in the strengthening of the eastern flank announced by NATO under the name Eastern guard there were other countries: Denmark, France, Great Britain and Germany.

From Stockholm Daniel Zyśk (PAP)

Zys/ AP/ LM/