Sweden’s government pledges more money for defense
In the wake of a naval hunt for a suspected foreign vessel in Swedish waters, the government’s proposed budget called for a greater-than-expected defense allocation totaling SEK 4.16 billion for the next four years.
The 2015 budget, proposed by the newly-elected red-green government Thursday, calls for defense investments of SEK 680 million in additional spending for next year.
The government also wants to allocate SEK 900 million in a one-time sum to finance the development of the new Jas 39 Gripen fighter jet. The extra cost was created by Switzerland bowing out as a partner in the development of the plane.
Finance Minister and Social Democrat Magdalena Andersson, who presented the budget, had said that the red-green budget’s defense spending took into account a recommendation from May that the military should expand its operational capabilities.
The proposed allocations rise successively each year: SEK 800 million for 2016, SEK 1.24 billion for 2017, and SEK 1.44 billion for 2018, according to figures from Swedish Radio news.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Canadian Military explores sunken sailing ship in the Arctic, Radio Canada International
Finland: Finland’s president sees rising non-civilian traffic in Baltic, Yle News
Norway: Pacific Akulas arrive in Severodvinsk, Russia, Barents Observer
Russia: Russia says no need for NATO in Arctic, expands own military presence, Barents Observer
Sweden: Sweden military hunt in “new phase” with fewer vessels, Radio Sweden
United States: Pentagon: Climate change is national security risk, Barents Observer
