Sweden has authorised the purchase of the US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) as part of a broader effort to strengthen its long-range defence capabilities and deepen military cooperation with neighbouring Finland.

The Swedish government announced the decision on September 7, 2026, saying the Swedish Armed Forces will acquire HIMARS systems while Stockholm and Helsinki establish closer cooperation on rocket artillery.

The government said the new capability will allow Swedish forces to operate across larger areas and provide greater long-range firepower than some of the country’s existing artillery systems. Officials described rocket artillery as an increasingly important capability for modern precision warfare.

The planned procurement is valued at around SEK 7 billion, with the first deliveries expected in 2027. The purchase will be financed through the Swedish Armed Forces’ existing investment framework and forms part of Sweden’s Total Defence Bill for 2025–2030.

Sweden is also linking the purchase to stronger defence cooperation with Finland. Defence ministers Pål Jonson of Sweden and Antti Häkkänen of Finland have signed a joint declaration covering training, education, capability development, maintenance and security of supply.

Finland already operates the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), which uses the same ammunition and components as HIMARS. This compatibility could make cooperation between the two countries more practical in areas such as training, logistics and ammunition supply.

The Swedish government says the cooperation is intended to strengthen defence capabilities in northern Europe and contribute to NATO’s collective defence. Sweden joined NATO in 2024, making coordination with neighbouring allies an increasingly important part of its security policy.

The announcement also involves Swedish defence company Saab and US manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The two companies are signing a joint declaration concerning possible integration of Saab’s Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb with HIMARS, as well as potential ammunition production for HIMARS and other defence systems.

According to the Swedish government, improving domestic and regional access to ammunition is an important part of strengthening security of supply. The cooperation could therefore extend beyond simply purchasing rocket systems to developing a wider industrial and logistical network around them.

Sweden’s latest defence decision comes amid a broader European effort to increase military capabilities and strengthen preparedness. Stockholm says rapidly available long-range systems can complement existing artillery, including Sweden’s Archer systems and other conventional weapons.

With the HIMARS acquisition and the new Swedish-Finnish cooperation framework, Sweden is moving toward a more integrated approach to long-range defence while increasing coordination with a close Nordic partner.

The Swedish government identifies the announcement as its latest press release, published on September 7, 2026.