The Swedish government will increase defense spending by 18% in 2026, reaching 2.8% of GDP, in the context of intensifying external threats.

This decision will bring defense spending to 2.8% of GDP, and the budget bill will be presented to parliament on September 22. Sweden, which had previously reduced defense spending, reversed this trend after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and decided to join NATO, becoming a member in March 2024.