Sweden will invest 15 billion Swedish crowns, equivalent to about $1.6 billion, in new air defence systems aimed primarily at protecting civilians and critical infrastructure, the government announced on Sunday.

The investment is part of Sweden’s broader effort to strengthen national defence amid heightened security concerns in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Swedish authorities said the upgraded air defence capabilities will focus on safeguarding population centres, transport hubs, energy facilities and other vital civilian infrastructure against aerial threats.

Defence officials did not disclose specific systems to be acquired but indicated the funding would support a combination of radar, missile defence and command and control capabilities. The move builds on Sweden’s recent defence spending increases as the country integrates more closely with NATO and adapts to a rapidly changing security environment.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s government has repeatedly warned that the security situation in Europe is the most serious in decades, prompting accelerated military modernisation. Sweden formally joined NATO earlier this year, ending decades of military non-alignment.

The government said the air defence investment would also improve Sweden’s ability to contribute to collective defence efforts with allies, while ensuring greater protection for civilians in the event of a crisis or conflict.

Analysts say the decision reflects a growing trend among European countries to prioritise air and missile defence as threats from drones, missiles and long-range strikes become more prominent in modern warfare.