Sweden invests 1.6 billion dollars in air defense systems: “The experience in Ukraine clearly shows how important a robust and resistant defense is”
Bundeswehr soldiers load missiles for the Patriot air defense system on January 23, 2025 in Rzeszow, Poland. Illustrative image. PHOTO: Kay Nietfeld / DPA / Profimedia
Sweden will spend 15 billion Swedish crowns ($1.6 billion) on air defense, with the main goal of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, the government announced on Sunday, according to Reuters.
Sweden, like most European countries, invested heavily in defense after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, the vast territory of Sweden remained vulnerable to aerial threats, according to News.ro.
“The experience of the war in Ukraine clearly shows how important a robust and resilient air defense is,” Defense Secretary Pal Johnson told a security conference.
He said Sweden would acquire short-range air defense systems to protect cities, bridges, power plants and other critical infrastructure.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson criticized the US administration's “threatening rhetoric” against Greenland and Denmark, saying the US should thank Denmark for being a loyal ally.
