Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has announced plans to accelerate Sweden’s defense spending, aiming to raise it to 3.5% of GDP by 2030. This marks the country’s most significant military buildup since the Cold War.
Sweden, which joined NATO last year in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has already doubled its defense budget over the past four years. The new spending plan would add approximately 300 billion kronor ($30 billion) over the next decade, surpassing previous projections that defense spending would reach 2.6% of GDP by 2028.
Government officials stress that increased European defense investment is necessary, particularly as the U.S. shifts its strategic focus. Kristersson emphasized that Sweden’s goal is to strengthen NATO’s European defense capabilities to address evolving security challenges.
