Russia forced the Swedes to allocate a billion dollars for defense
The Swedish armed forces will receive an additional 8,1 billion kroner ($1 billion) over the next three years to increase defense capabilities in the face of growing tensions with Russia in the Baltics, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
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Reuters reported this, citing the country's Defense Ministry.
“We are seeing an increase in military and intelligence activity in our region. This (additional means - ed.) sends an important signal to the outside world and will be in favor of Sweden,” said Swedish Defense Minister Peter Gultqvist.
It is noted that the Swedish Armed Forces asked the government to allocate an additional 9 billion crowns during 2017-2020. According to the military, this money is needed to restore and strengthen the army after several years of underfunding and against the backdrop of increasing demands on its operational capabilities.
In order to strengthen its defense, Sweden has reportedly reintroduced military service and resumed stationing troops on the strategically important island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea.
In addition, Sweden continues to strengthen cooperation with NATO, although the government has ruled out the possibility of becoming a member of the Alliance.
Let us recall that in May the Swedish Minister of Defense called Russia the main challenge to European security.
Russia forced the Swedes to allocate a billion dollars for defense.