Sweden is investing four billion kronor ($437 million) to acquire drones for all branches of its armed forces, the country's defence minister said Monday, stressing that Europe needed to assume "greater responsibility" for itself and Ukraine.Defence Minister Pal Jonson said the investment included reconnaissance and electronic warfare drones and "long-range loitering munitions" -- also known as kamikaze or suicide drones.
"It also includes maritime drones for mine clearance and maritime surveillance," Jonson added.
According to Jonson, the drone systems should all be delivered "within two years".
The minister also said Sweden was investing 1.3 billion kronor in its "space capability, with around 10 military satellites that will enhance the effectiveness of our unmanned systems and cruise missiles".
On Sunday, Sweden announced it would be investing 15 billion kronor in ground-based aerial defence systems.
In November, the Nordic country announced it was spending around $366 million on IRIS-T surface-to-air short-range missiles to protect itself against missiles, drones and combat aircraft.
Speaking at an annual defence conference, Jonson also lamented that the security situation had deteriorated compared to a year earlier.
"To the growing threat from Russia, we are now adding increased American unpredictability. An obvious conclusion is that Europe must assume greater responsibility for our own and Ukraine's security," Jonson said.
