Lightning purchase of drone protection delayed for months
Sweden's government ordered a lightning-fast purchase of drone protection in November 2023 following incidents near nuclear power plants. The procurement process at the Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) has been significantly delayed. Months later, the protection remains unimplemented, raising concerns among authorities.
In November 2023, shortly after unmanned drones were observed over the Ringhals nuclear power plant, the Swedish government decided on an urgent purchase of drone protection. The aim was to swiftly bolster defenses against potential drone threats, particularly around critical infrastructure like nuclear facilities. The Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) was tasked with handling the procurement with the highest priority.
Despite the urgent nature, the process has dragged on. According to Aftonbladet, several months have passed without the protection systems being implemented. An FMV spokesperson states that "the procurement is complex and requires thorough evaluations to ensure quality and compatibility with existing systems." This contrasts with the government's initial directive for a "lightning-fast" solution.
The background to the decision is growing concern over drone threats in Sweden. The incident at Ringhals occurred in October 2023, when several drones flew near the facility, leading to heightened alert levels. The government, led by Civil Minister Ibrahim Baylan at the time, emphasized the need for immediate measures to protect national security.
The delay has drawn internal criticism. A source within the defense authorities says: "It is frustrating that an urgent need is not being addressed with the promised speed." FMV points to challenges such as supplier evaluations and budget approvals as causes of the delays. No specific delivery dates have been publicly communicated.
This event highlights broader challenges in Swedish defense procurement, where bureaucracy sometimes slows responses to new threats. With increasing geopolitical tensions in Europe, drone protection remains a priority, but timelines for this specific purchase remain uncertain.