Sweden to test new drone swarm technology in Arctic Strike Exercise

NATO's newest member Sweden will test new drone swarm technology developed by defence equipment group Saab and the Nordic country's armed forces, Defence Minister Pal Jonson said on Monday. Jonson told a news conference the army will test the technology, which was developed over the past year, during the upcoming Arctic Strike exercise. "We will need to take some risks to build a stronger defence capability faster than we normally do," he said.

Jonson said the technology allows swarms of drones of different sizes to form and then solve tasks autonomously. "With these drone swarms it is possible to conduct both reconnaissance, positioning and identification".

Sweden joined the Western defence alliance NATO in March 2024 as a result of Russia's war in Ukraine and plans to increase defence spending to reach 2.6% of GDP in 2028, compared with 2.2% in 2024. Sweden’s Major Defence Investments in the 2025 Budget

As Sweden continues to enhance its defence capabilities, major investments are being made to support both technological advancements and NATO integration. In line with these efforts, Sweden's 2025 Budget Bill proposes significant increases in military funding, including SEK 13 billion for military defence, reflecting a 10% increase over 2024.

These funds will bolster Sweden's operational capacity and enable greater participation in NATO’s collective defence initiatives. The government also proposes additional funding of SEK 170 billion over the period from 2025 to 2030, demonstrating Sweden’s long-term commitment to strengthening its military and reinforcing NATO’s collective deterrence.

Furthermore, Sweden's total defence strategy is evolving, with a focus on modern technologies and enhanced military readiness, crucial in addressing the current security environment shaped by Russia’s actions in Ukraine. This investment not only supports Sweden’s national defence but also contributes to NATO’s overall security framework, ensuring Sweden’s active role in regional and global stability.