Behind the commander-in-chief’s request for more money lies what he believes are increased needs linked to NATO adaptation and necessary rearmament.
– The demand on us is increasing further. We will invest in infrastructure, get more people, replace systems, procure new systems and so on, says Bydén in the interview.
Earlier this year, the then Swedish government declared that the defense budget should be increased to two percent, but that will not be enough, says ÖB.
– With great probability, more than two percent of GDP will be needed, says Micael Bydén.
Defense appropriations must be gradually increased to reach two percent of GDP in 2026. It is after that an increase is required, says Bydén.
However, he does not want to specify exactly how much more money the defense needs. It is a political decision, he emphasizes in the interview.