Article

Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman, commander of the Swedish Air Force, is leading a modernization initiative for the Gripen fighter jets as Sweden strengthens its NATO ties.

The Air Force plans to operate 120 Gripens, enhancing defense spending by $2.9 billion by 2026, while prioritizing upgrades to electronic-warfare capabilities to counter threats, particularly from Russia. Sweden aims to achieve 3.5% of GDP in defense spending by 2030 and is exploring potential collaborations with Canada on fighter procurement.