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The government pushes for SEK 660 million for defence, after ÖB called the missing money a “risk-taking”.
The investment will, among other things, go towards an upgrade of the air force’s Gripen plane.
More money already this year – otherwise Sweden will miss the goal of 2 percent of GDP for defense in 2026.
That was the message of the Armed Forces a month ago.
In an interview with Aftonbladet, the commander-in-chief called the missing money a “risk-taking”.
Now the government meets the authority:
In the spring amendment budget, the Armed Forces will receive SEK 660 million extra for this year, and the opportunity to place new orders for SEK 16.7 billion over the next 10 years.
This was announced by Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M) and Oscar Sjöstedt, economic policy spokesperson for the Sweden Democrats (SD), at a press conference.
– Our image is that we meet the demands of the Armed Forces in all essentials, says the Minister of Defense to Aftonbladet.
– What they pointed out is that there is a rush to take early measures, and we are meeting that with today’s announcement.
Should this be regarded as an addition, or as something that should have already been included in the autumn budget?
– I think we have received a good in-depth document from the Armed Forces, partly on January 27 when we received a letter about early decisions, and partly in their budget document. Then we have a better picture of the needs of the Armed Forces, says Pål Jonson.
I think you used the word “ambition” in relation to the target of 2 percent of GDP for defense by 2026. Will you get there?
– That is my assessment.
During the press conference, Pål Jonson said that the Russian threat to Sweden and our neighboring countries will persist for the foreseeable future, and that it is therefore important to strengthen the Swedish defense.
Of the 660 million kroner, approximately half, 302 million kroner, must go to NATO membership fees. The rest is to be invested in, among other things, management systems, infrastructure and fuel.
The authorization of 16.7 billion will, among other things, enable an upgrade of the air force’s Jas 39 Gripen plane in versions C and D, so that the plane can be operational longer.
“Even defense equipment has become more expensive”
Oscar Sjöstedt (SD), who was also present at the press conference, also believes that the Tidö parties with today’s announcement are giving the Armed Forces what the authority requested.
– To an absolute majority. Then it is the case that not only the families with children experience the inflation, but so does the commander-in-chief, in the sense that even defense equipment has become more expensive. Exactly where it goes, we don’t really know. We have compensated for those increases, but now many people are upgrading at the same time and the demand is sky high, he says.
He also insists that the goal of 2 percent of GDP for defense in 2026 must be reached.
– If we fail, it will not be because of the Sweden Democrats, says Oscar Sjöstedt.