Swedish Armed Forces Invests in space capabilities
Starting in 2026, around ten Swedish satellites will enhance operational capability and strengthen both Sweden’s and NATO’s capacity in the space domain. Through new agreements signed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), intelligence and surveillance resources from space will be delivered to the Swedish Armed Forces.
The Swedish Armed Forces had previously aimed to have their own operational satellites by 2030, but thanks to intensive and focused efforts, this will now become reality as early as next year. Photo: FMV.
Photo: Anders Åberg FMVhe Swedish Armed Forces had previously aimed to have their own operational satellites by 2030, but thanks to intensive and focused efforts, this will now become reality as early as next year. Photo: FMV
“For Sweden, this represents a major step forward in the development of the Armed Forces’ space capabilities, which the heightened security situation requires. This contribution to NATO’s collective capability across all domains is of great strategic importance,” says Anders Sundeman, Flotilla Admiral and Head of Space at the Swedish Armed Forces.
On behalf of the Swedish Armed Forces, FMV has signed agreements with two satellite providers: the U.S. company Planet Labs and the Finnish company ICEYE. The contracts run for several years and include the procurement of satellites and satellite data, with the first satellites scheduled for launch as early as 2026.
Delivery Earlier Than Planned
The Swedish Armed Forces had previously set a goal of having their own operational satellites by 2030, but thanks to intensive and determined efforts, this will now become reality already this year.
“This demonstrates that 2026 will be a year of deliveries in terms of increased operational capability. Our presence in space is in an expansion phase with a high pace of development, and thanks to this addition we can observe and operate at greater distances and gain an even better situational picture of how Russia and other actors are behaving,” says Anders Sundeman.
The procurement is part of the Swedish Armed Forces’ historic rearmament and forms part of Sweden’s 2024 defence and security strategy for space. The investment in space capabilities will strengthen the Armed Forces and total defence, benefit partners and allies, and ultimately make our part of the world safer.