Swedish arms exports steady at record levels

Swedish exports of military equipment totalled just over SEK 28 billion in 2025, remaining at historically high levels and broadly in line with 2024, according to new figures from the Inspectorate of Strategic Products.

The authority links sustained demand to a deteriorating security environment and continued global rearmament.

- The number of Swedish companies manufacturing and selling military equipment has tripled since 2018. Since 2023, sales have increased sharply both domestically and internationally. Exports can be expected to rise further in light of the major export contracts announced during the year, said ISP director general Carl Johan Wieslander.

39 countries

Just over 80 percent of exports went to the 39 countries classified by the government as established defence and security policy partners, including several European Union member states as well as the United States, Brazil, Australia and Canada.

The United States was the largest recipient, with deliveries worth SEK 4.26 billion, including recoilless rifle systems, sensors and tracked vehicles. Hungary, Brazil and the Czech Republic followed, largely linked to deliveries or leasing of Gripen fighter aircraft and associated equipment.

Ukraine continues to receive priority in the licensing process. In 2025, the ISP granted 47 export licences for government-funded donations and 24 licences for sales by Swedish defence companies.

The value of authorised sales increased by around 16 percent compared with 2024.

In addition, the re-transfer of Swedish-manufactured equipment to Ukraine was approved on 16 occasions, mainly covering land combat and air defence systems.

Exports to the Middle East consisted largely of follow-on deliveries. In the case of the United Arab Emirates, these related primarily to equipment, components and technology associated with previously delivered airborne radar systems. 

No new licences for the export of military equipment to Israel have been granted since 10 October 2023.

This article was made by Defence Nordic's affiliate publication, Metal Supply.se