Sweden to Boost Defense Spending by 2030, Prime Minister Says

Ulf Kristersson said he was pushing for funds to be ‘high enough to significantly increase the European NATO countries’ ability to defend Europe.’

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson speaks during a news conference in Rome on Feb. 26, 2025. Remo Casilli/Reuters

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on March 26 that his country is aiming to raise defense spending to 3.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, a larger and faster ramp-up than previously planned.

Defense spending in Sweden has been projected to reach 2.4 percent of GDP in 2025 and 2.6 percent in 2028.