Swedish Defense Bill Extends Gripen, Adds New AEW Aircraft

Sweden’s government is planning a major increase in the defense budget that will see the air force keeping JAS 39Cs in service for at least a decade.

The in-service Gripen C/D is set to play a major part in Swedish defense alongside the incoming new-generation Gripen E. The latest MS20 iteration can be armed with the Meteor missile and GBU-39 small diameter bomb. (Photo: Saab)

By David Donald • Contributor - UK

October 16, 2020

The Swedish defense ministry published a 181-page document on October 14 that outlines a defense bill to be put before the Riksdag (parliament). Having gained cross-party support, the bill is scheduled to become law on Feb. 1, 2021. Known as Totalförsvaret (total defence) 2021-25, the bill covers the largest increase in defense spending in Sweden for many decades. Funding levels are to increase by SEK27.5 billion ($3.1 billion) compared with 2020.

“This represents the largest increase in the level of ambition in defense capabilities in 70 years,” said defense minister Peter Hultqvist. “It is a signal to the Swedish people and our neighborhood that we are taking the security situation extremely seriously. The proposals in the bill should be seen against the background of the deteriorating security situation in Sweden’s neighborhood and in Europe over time. Sweden will be affected if crisis or an armed conflict arises in our region. An armed attack against Sweden cannot be ruled out.”

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.