Multi-million investment in military research

Multi million investment in military research
full screen The government wants to invest an extra SEK 188 million in research within the Total Defense Research Institute and the Armed Forces next year. Archive image. Photo: Johan Nilsson / TT

The government wants to strengthen research in the field of defense – and is proposing an investment of a total of SEK 188 million extra over the next year.

“In order to cope with military growth, Sweden needs to continue to be a leader in technology development, research and innovation,” says Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M) in a press release.

The proposal involves SEK 88 million in 2024 for a military innovation program and research under the auspices of the Armed Forces, as well as SEK 100 million extra for the Total Defense Research Institute (FOI). The increased funding for FOI means an increase of over 35 percent compared to this year, according to Jonson.

“The rapid technological development is not least driven by research and companies outside the defense sector. Now we are adding resources that create the opportunity to capture and benefit from emerging technologies for military use,” he says.

The government’s proposal, which is based on an agreement with the Sweden Democrats, further means that the Armed Forces will receive 90 million in 2025 and 247 million in 2026 in support for research and innovation. FOI is strengthened by 143 million in 2025 and 189 million in 2026.

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