Pål Jonson

Minister for Defence

Ministry of Defence

“The defence of Sweden is a core task of the State and fundamental to our democracy and freedom. Stronger defence, NATO membership and support to Ukraine enhance our security in uncertain times.”

News from Pål Jonson

  • Minister for Defence Pål Jonson to take part in EU Foreign Affairs Council with defence ministers

    Pål Jonson
    Minister for Defence Pål Jonson. Photo: The Permanent Representation of Sweden to the European Union

    On Tuesday 23 May, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson will take part in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting with defence ministers in Brussels. During the meeting, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell will update the EU defence ministers on current security and defence policy developments.

  • Minister for Defence Pål Jonson to receive U.S Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III

    On Wednesday 19 April, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson will receive United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. The visit will take place at the Muskö Naval Base, where the ministers will convene for a bilateral meeting, hold a joint press conference and take part in a demonstration of the Swedish Armed Forces’ military capabilities.

Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.
Minister for Defence Pål Jonson. Photo: Ninni Andersson/Government Offices

Strengthening Sweden’s military defence and preparations for NATO membership

The 5th of April, the Government presented investment proposals that will be included in its Spring Amending Budget. The proposals aim to create conditions for the continued growth of Sweden’s military defence and make preparations for NATO membership. Increased appropriations totalling SEK 660 million are proposed in the Spring Amending Budget for 2023. In addition, it is proposed that the Swedish Armed Forces’ authorisation to place orders be increased by SEK 16.78 billion.

Photo: Marcus Olsson/Swedish Armed Forces

Sweden and UK cooperating on increased military support to Ukraine

On Thursday 16 March, the Government presented a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom to support Ukraine. The cooperation aims to improve logistics and maintenance of the Archer artillery units that Sweden intends to donate to Ukraine. It is proposed that eight units is to be donated, of which two are part of the maintenance system. The cooperation includes authorisation to sell 14 Archer artillery units to the UK, which allows the UK to donate the AS90 artillery system to Ukraine. An additional amending budget also includes proposals to authorise the donation of previously announced Leopard 2 battle tanks and to provide funds for the replenishment of defence equipment.

Photo: Johannes Frandsen/Government Offices of Sweden

Minister for Defence Pål Jonson received the EU's defence ministers in Stockholm

On 7–8 March, EU defence ministers attended an informal meeting in Stockholm within the framework of the Foreign Affairs Council (Defence). The meeting startad with a dinner on 7 March and continued on 8 March at Scandinavian XPO.

Illustration: Government Offices

Heavy advanced weapons to Ukraine in new support package

One year ago, on 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Sweden has provided humanitarian, military and civil support to Ukraine. Sweden’s military support to Ukraine has more than tripled since the current Government took office.

Today, 24 February, the Government presented a new extensive support package for Ukraine. It includes subsystems of the HAWK anti-aircraft system and essential parts of the IRIS-T into-aircraft system, in cooperation with Germany. Sweden also intends to provide up to ten Leopard 2 battle tanks.

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