HELSINKI, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Sweden's Parliament approved a new defense plan on Tuesday, increasing the military budget from 125 billion SEK (11.42 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024 to SEK 186 billion by 2030.
Sweden is among the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries that are increasing defense spending the most, said Defense Minister Pal Jonson, as reported by Swedish broadcaster SVT.
The plan prioritizes expanding supplies of ammunition, missiles, and spare parts. It also maintains the current structure of the armed forces: four brigades for the army, seven corvettes and five submarines for the navy, and six fighter divisions for the air force.
Sweden's defense force is set to grow from 88,000 to 130,000 personnel by 2035. Annual conscription will increase from 5,000 to 12,000 recruits, alongside significant investments in drones, long-range missiles, and advanced radar systems. (1 SEK = 0.091 U.S. dollar) ■