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Government doubles innovation initiative for Ukraine to SEK 300 million

Government Offices of Sweden

Press release from Ministry of Defence

Published 25 September 2025

The Government has previously tasked the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration with identifying, testing and funding solutions for defence innovation needed by Ukraine. The Government is now doubling this initiative to SEK 300 million, financed through support package 20 to Ukraine. A panel of experts from Sweden and Ukraine has reviewed various types of anti-drone systems and is now taking them forward for serial production.

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration was tasked with holding an innovation challenge as part of the 19th military support package from Sweden to Ukraine. Approximately SEK 150 million was allocated for this purpose. The Ukrainian needs and response from various companies were so great that the Swedish Government decided to double support for the initiative, to SEK 300 million, in the 20th support package.

"We must strengthen Ukrainian and Swedish defences against threats such as drones. Sweden's technology base and Ukrainian combat experience are a powerful combination that will strengthen Ukraine's defence against Russia. This competition paves the way for new defence companies and solutions to combat drones and other aircraft," says Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.

The challenge is structured as a procurement process with the aim of finding innovative concepts and technical solutions with military potential that, after further development, can support Ukraine in the war against Russia.

It was announced on 7 May 2025 and more than 100 applications were received. In June, these were evaluated by experts, and 21 companies were invited to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration to present their concepts to an expert panel including representatives from Ukraine, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Defence Research Agency. Minister for Defence Pål Jonson participated as an observer during the last presentation.

Twelve companies were selected and received funding to continue developing their concepts. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration will now decide on the further development of up to six concepts. Further development will lead to finished products for production at scale and delivery to Ukraine.

This includes proposing full or partial system solutions to neutralise the threat posed by aerial vehicles such as hypersonic missiles and glide bombs, or unmanned aerial vehicles such as long-range fixed-wing drones and patrol missiles.