Sweden will increase military spending by about 40% in the next five years and double the number of people conscripted into its armed forces as it aims to strengthen its defense amid growing tensions with Russia, the government has said.
The Guardian: Sweden to increase military spending by 40% as tension with Russia grows
This Handout photo made available on August 25, 2020 by the Swedish Armed Forces shows an army combat team patroling a village street in Gotland, Sweden. - Sweden's military is currently putting on a show of force in the Baltic Sea as a signal to Russia amid concerns about its intentions in the region, Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist said on August 25, 2020.
The so-called "high readiness action" means the Swedish army, navy and air force are currently more visible in the southeastern and southern Baltic Sea and on the island of Gotland. (Photo by Bezhav Mahmoud / various sources / AFP) / - Sweden OUT / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / SWEDISH ARMED FORCES / Bezhav Mahmoud " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
