“Unmanned systems and space situation awareness are crucial in modern warfare. By investing in drone capabilities and space systems, we are strengthening the Swedish Armed Forces’ operational capabilities, increasing the resilience of our combat units and improving our capability to act together with Allies,” says Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.

The many experiences gathered from Ukraine clearly show that drone warfare is now a central component of warfare. They also demonstrate the importance of reconnaissance and surveillance from space. The Swedish Armed Forces therefore needs to rapidly enhance its capabilities in terms of unmanned systems. It also needs to enhance its ability to gather data from space. 

“Enhanced space capabilities offer Sweden improved intelligence gathering, enhanced freedom of action and greater strategic autonomy. By building up national satellite capabilities, we are strengthening the protection of our combat forces and increasing Sweden’s value as a relevant and reliable Ally,” says Mr Jonson. 

Investment in unmanned systems

The Government has decided to invest more than SEK 4 billion in equipping the Swedish Armed Forces’ combat units with unmanned systems. Through this acquisition, the Swedish Armed Forces can continue to build its capabilities and develop its tactics in the drone sphere. These planned materiel acquisitions are expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2028. 

Examples of planned materiel acquisitions include:

• Loitering munitions – a system of drones that contain some form of warhead that can be directed at a target. These are often commonly referred to as ‘suicide drones’ or ‘kamikaze drones’. This decision will advance operational effect by between five and six years compared to the original plan.
• Reconnaissance drones – various systems for effective intelligence gathering via direct capabilities to monitor opponents in the field. They are often used in combination with loitering munitions, artillery or other systems that require the prior identification of targets.
• Airborne, remote-controlled electronic warfare capabilities – consisting of sensors for drones to detect threats, for example. Systems can be based on ships or in ground units.
• Unmanned vehicles for different marine applications – drones that operate both on and below the surface. This includes underwater vessels for mine detection and seabed surveillance and surface vessels used to monitor large ocean areas. 

Investment in space

The Government is committing SEK 1.3 billion to expanding space capabilities. This investment will enhance the Swedish Armed Forces’ intelligence and long-range combat capabilities while also expanding the conditions for protecting our own combat forces via space situation awareness and real-time surveillance. 

The investment is in line with Sweden’s defence and security strategy for space and represents the next step in the development of space capabilities in support of the total defence, following the 2024 launch of Sweden’s first military satellite. 

Within this space package, around ten additional satellites will be acquired, substantially enhancing Sweden’s own space capabilities, strategic autonomy and position as a relevant ally and partner in the international space arena. 

This acquisition will add a further SEK 1.3 billion to the ‘space billion’ previously approved by the Government in 2024. Delivery of the new satellites is expected to begin in 2026 and continue until 2028. 

The investments in unmanned systems and enhanced space capabilities will be funded within the framework of the SEK 25 billion for ‘opportunity purchases’ approved by the Swedish parliament in the 2025 Spring Amending Budget.