Sweden Acquires German Air Defence Systems in $930M Deal

Sweden has announced the acquisition of the IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense system from Germany’s Diehl Defence for 9 billion kronor ($930 million). Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it one of the most significant defense capabilities Sweden has acquired since its Patriot missile purchase in the 1990s.

The move is part of Sweden’s ongoing defense rearmament, prompted by heightened security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Defense Minister Pål Jonson emphasized the growing recognition of air defense as critical to national security.

After years of post–Cold War budget cuts, Sweden began ramping up defense investment following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. In March, the government pledged to add 300 billion kronor to defense spending over the next decade, aiming to raise defense expenditure from 2.4% to 3.5% of GDP by 2030.

The purchase follows Sweden’s recent accession to NATO, ending over 200 years of military non-alignment. As global defense expectations rise, NATO leaders are pushing for increased commitments—3.5% of GDP in military spending by 2032—with further pressure from U.S. officials to hit a 5% target.