Sweden has announced plans to invest $1.6 billion in new homeland air defense units, with the explicit purpose of better protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure. The initiative draws heavily on lessons from the war in Ukraine and will mainly consist of short-range systems.
Sweden will invest 15 billion Swedish crowns (about $1.6 billion) in strengthening its air defense capabilities, with a focus on safeguarding civilian populations and critical infrastructure from aerial threats. According to AeroTime, Defense Minister Pal Jonson emphasized the need for robust air defense following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
France has finalized an order for two GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft from Saab in a $1.3 billion contract. The deal includes ground equipment, training, and support, and deliveries are expected to take place between 2029 and 2032.
Sweden's defense minister Pål Jonson stated that a Ukrainian peace deal will not impact delivery times for Saab Gripen-E fighters. However, Stockholm continues to explore sending older C and D models to Ukraine as part of its efforts to shore up air capabilities.