Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) and Minister of Defense Pål Jonson (M) are presenting the news in connection with a press conference at Gotland's regiment P18.
The air defense system IRIS-T SLM is intended to be able to defend Sweden against drones, helicopters, fighter jets, and cruise missiles.
Now we are getting a qualitative capability that we have not had before - to shoot down the most advanced threats that can enter Sweden in a war situation, says Ulf Kristersson.
According to the government, it will be used to protect the army's brigades and the battle group on Gotland.
Gotland's territory will be much better protected. So it's a radical reinforcement.
Used in Ukraine
The purchase consists of 49 vehicles, of which seven fire units have a range of 40 kilometers and an altitude coverage of 20 kilometers. The other vehicles are used for loading, spare parts, and maintenance of the system. The cost is nine billion kronor.
The government describes the air defense system as one of the most modern and effective on the market, and delivery will begin in 2028.
We have already seen that these systems work extremely well in Ukraine, says Kristersson.
Sweden has previously supported Ukraine with ammunition for their IRIS-T system. The basic technology is also already used by Swedish Gripen aircraft.
Part of a larger investment
With this decision, Sweden is starting a larger investment in air defense, according to the government, and the purchase of the seven fire units is described as "a first step".
This strengthens the Swedish air defense capability overall, but it is by no means a final point, says Pål Jonson.
He also mentions that the Visby corvettes will get air defense capability, as well as the upcoming larger surface combat ships of the Luleå class.
In an agreement with the opposition from last week, air defense was specifically highlighted as a priority area.
