The Swedish Government has proposed a significant funding boost for the country’s military defence and civil defence in its 2018 budget.
The government aims to increase funding by Skr2.7bn for total defence annually, of which Skr2.3bn ($287.6m) will be allocated for military defence and Skr0.4bn ($50m) for civil defence.
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Funding will be used to increase unit activities and preparedness, as well as prioritise measures aimed at military units with the lowest battle readiness to enhance their capabilities and increase training activities.
The proposed budget also includes funding increases to enable army combat forces to simultaneously mobilise war organisation in the event of a heightened alert.
In August, the government signed an agreement with the Moderate Party and the Centre Party to provide additional measures to increase the operational capabilities of military units and ensure overall total defence capability.
Under the agreed terms, the government proposes allocating an additional Skr80m ($10m) in 2018 to the National Defence Radio Establishment (FRA) and the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MUST) to support efforts targeting counter-terrorism, information and cyber-security, and security services.
Sweden announced Skr500m ($62.5m) in investments as part of the 2017 Spring Amending Budget.
The government will ensure the implementation of the 2015 Defence Resolution until the end of 2020.
Measures will be taken to ensure that military capabilities can be increased after 2020.
