Advertisement

Sweden's armed forces want to double defence budget by 2035

TT/The Local
TT/The Local - [email protected]
Sweden's armed forces want to double defence budget by 2035
Swedish troops exercising on Gotland. Photo: Sören Andersson/TT

Sweden's defence budget should be doubled by 2035, the armed forces have said.

Advertisement

Sweden's Armed Forces want to boost staff numbers from 50,000 people today to around 120,000 people by 2035, the organization says in a new report looking ahead to ensure Sweden's military is able to meet future challenges two decades from now.

The report estimates that the total defence budget will have to be increased from today's 53 billion kronor ($6.5 billion) a year to around 115 billion kronor a year by 2035.

Formally called the "perspective study", the report is released every five years and is intended to help guide political decisions and Sweden's overall defence strategy.

"There are several reasons to further develop the military defence. The geopolitical global development is unpredictable. Russia has through its actions in Georgia and Ukraine showed that they do not hesitate to use military force. They also plan to increase their military capabilities after 2020. Further reasons are that the society is more vulnerable to strain and warfare targets society as a whole," an Armed Forces statement reads.

Sweden has made moves in recent years to boost its defence, including stationing permanent troops on the island of Gotland and reintroducing military conscription.

The report also states that more army brigades, corvettes, submarines and fighter aircrafts are needed, as well as more resources to step up Sweden's cyber intelligence capabilities.

READ ALSO: What you need to know about military service and dual citizenship

---

While we have your attention… a small request.
 
The Local has been giving the world the story of Sweden for the past 14 years, and we know that the news and information we provide makes a real difference to the lives of our readers. But here's the thing: advertising revenues across the media industry – the revenues that keep us going – are more unreliable than ever.
 
That's why we're asking readers to become Members. For just 50 SEK a month you can get access to all The Local's articles, including articles written just for Members. We'll also invite you to special events and give you exclusive offers. At the same time you'll ensure The Local stays thriving into the future.
 
Become a Member here. Or find out more here.
---

 

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also