Discussing the decision in a statement, the Swedish Ministry of Defence said: “[The funding is for] the period 2025 to 2027, for the establishment of Rakel generation two. A modern communication system for [public safety], security, health and total defence, to be able to carry out their tasks effectively.”
According to the statement, SEK 652 million has been allocated for 2025, and 768 million and 880 million for the two subsequent years. Responsibility for upgrading the current iteration of Rakel, which is based on TETRA, will lay with the Swedish Agency for Community Protection and Preparedness (MSB).
Swedish minister for civil defence, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, said: “There is a need for a modern system that can handle both voice calls and large amounts of data in real time.
“In order to get an expedient - and as cost-effective - solution as possible, existing [capability] must be utilised. [These include] among other things, existing infrastructure, and that the capabilities and resources of commercial actors are used through procurement.”
The proposal is based on an agreement between the government and the Sweden Democrats.
