On 12 June 2025, the Swedish Government adopted a comprehensive new strategy for the country’s defence industry aimed at fostering innovation, boosting production, and enhancing cooperation. The initiative seeks to create a competitive and resilient sector capable of supporting Sweden’s security and contributing to European defence efforts.

 

The Government underlined that the worsening geopolitical climate requires stronger domestic capacity. “The defence industry plays a key role in the rearmament of Sweden and in providing support to Ukraine,” it stated.

 

 

“With the Defence Industry Strategy we want to contribute to more innovation, increased production and better cooperation with the industry,” said Minister for Defence Pål Jonson. The strategy includes concrete measures to improve the business sector’s ability to contribute to national security.

The Defence Industry Strategy is built around three pillars: innovation, production, and cooperation. It is anchored in the National Security Strategy and the policy direction outlined in the Total Defence 2025–2030 Bill.

Innovation initiatives include establishing a cross-agency function for defence innovation, strengthening the Swedish Armed Forces’ materiel development programme, and promoting cooperation between civil and military research. The strategy also aims to secure skills supply, facilitate prototype testing, and support Swedish participation in international research programmes.

 

 

In terms of production, the Government plans to focus on long-term, large-scale orders and joint procurement with partner countries. It also intends to boost ammunition manufacturing, modernise production methods, and improve access to materials, components, and capital.

The strategy outlines improved cooperation between the Government and the defence industry through structured dialogue, clearer communication of military needs, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Measures to strengthen export capabilities and international partnerships, including continued support for Ukraine, are also included.

 

 

“By making substantial investments in research, development and advanced production techniques, not only does the defence industry contribute to defending Sweden but also to our standing as a high-tech industrial nation,” said Jonson. He added, “This makes Sweden attractive as a cooperation partner and helps to strengthen our security relations within the EU and NATO as well as with other countries.”

The new strategy is aligned with a broader industry strategy currently under development, with both efforts designed to make Sweden more resilient and secure in the face of evolving threats.