Stockholm, Sweden – In a bid to strengthen its defence sector and contribute to Europe's collective security, the Swedish government has adopted a new defence industry strategy. The initiative aims to create an innovative and competitive defence sector with high production capacity, making Sweden an attractive partner for international cooperation.
The strategy was announced on June 12, 2025, at the Ministry of Defence in Stockholm, where Minister for Defence Pål Jonson outlined the key objectives. "With the Defence Industry Strategy, we want to contribute to more innovation, increased production, and better cooperation with the industry," he stated.
The geopolitical security situation continues to deteriorate, making a strong defence industry essential for Europe's ability to take greater responsibility for its own security and defence. The Swedish defence industry plays a vital role in the rearmament of Sweden and provides support to Ukraine.
The new strategy sets out concrete measures to strengthen the business sector's ability to contribute to Sweden's security. Key initiatives include:
Establishing a cross-agency function for defence innovation to promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing
Strengthening the Swedish Armed Forces' materiel development programme to enhance research and development capabilities
Developing procurement methods that encourage innovation and collaboration between civil and military research and innovation
Facilitating testing and demonstration of prototypes to ensure the adoption of new technologies
Ensuring access to international research and innovation programmes for Swedish companies
The strategy also focuses on production, with a emphasis on long-term, large-scale orders from defence companies and joint orders with partner countries. Additionally, it aims to improve defence companies' access to capital, facilitate conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises, and strengthen relations with key partner countries.
Furthermore, the government is committed to promoting business ethics and trust within the defence industry, as well as supporting the development of partnerships between central government agencies and defence companies.
The Defence Industry Strategy is built upon the National Security Strategy and the defence policy direction set out in the Total Defence 2025–2030 Bill. The strategy complements an industry strategy that deals with Swedish industry more broadly, making it a comprehensive approach to strengthening Sweden's resilience and security.
In conclusion, the new defence industry strategy represents a significant step forward for Sweden's defence sector. By investing in innovation, production, and cooperation, the government aims to create a strong and competitive defence sector that contributes to both national security and European collective security.