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The Defense Bill for 2021-2025 lays the foundation for a new war organization that will be ready by 2030. The defense budget will grow from 2020 by almost 29 billion SEK to 89 billion SEK in 2025.
– It is clear that there will be some challenges for us, but we must manage them, says ÖB Micael Bydén.
Focus on the military
The Swedish Armed Forces war organization will grow from the current 60,000 to 90,000 posts by 2030. This includes civilian employees and the National Guard.
Several disbanded regiments are reestablished to train more soldiers. The number of recruits will increase to 8,000 annually beginning in 2025. This is a doubling compared to 2019.
– The biggest challenge will be the staff, says Bydén.
He points out that it takes time to recruit and train staff and to staff the new organization.
By 2025, the Armed Forces will need to employ around 1,500 people and by 2030 another around 1,000.
The emphasis on strengthening the defense is on the military. The army is reinforced, among other things, with a third mechanized brigade in Skåne. A brigade consists of about 5,000 soldiers. In addition, a brigade without tanks will be added, which will defend Stockholm.
A new submarine
In the navy’s war organization, the number of submarines is increased from four to five. The current seven corvettes are preserved, but two are modified and two are replaced. The ships are also upgraded with robotic air defenses.
The corvettes also get new marine targeting robots. The west coast will have its own amphibious battalion for its defense.
The Air Force will have between 80 and 100 combat aircraft in the future, both the old Gripen C / D model and the 60 of the new E model.
Additional hunting robots and new sensors will be purchased. Airplanes must also be able to be equipped with long-distance robots for ground targets. Such long-range weapons provide an opportunity to attack bases in Russia.
Unclear after 2025
To carry out the full upgrade planned for 2030, more money is expected to be needed after 2025. However, that funding will be a topic for the next defense decision for 2026-2030.
The aim of rearmament is that Sweden can cope with the crisis and the war for three months, until international aid arrives. However, when that goal was reached, Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist did not speak at the parliamentary debate.
