Elbit Systems Sweden AB announced plans to establish its first European production and maintenance facility for laser warning systems in Sweden. The new center is part of a strategic initiative to enhance European defense manufacturing capabilities and support NATO member nations’ security requirements.
Expected to begin operations in 2027, the facility will provide local integration, assembly, maintenance, and long-term technical support for laser warning systems for European clients.
This move aligns with Elbit Systems’ broader strategy to increase its industrial footprint in Europe. The company stated that the new facility will improve system availability, reduce delivery times, and enhance support for its European customer base.
The establishment of local production capabilities comes as European nations ramp up defense spending amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This shift is further influenced by pressure from U.S. officials for NATO allies to bolster their military expenditures. A focus on local manufacturing could enhance Elbit’s competitiveness in European defense procurement programs prioritizing domestic industrial involvement.
Focus on Next-Generation Technology
The facility will specialize in the production of next-generation passive laser warning systems. These systems are designed to quickly detect and identify laser threats against military equipment, offering crews improved response time and operational flexibility to implement protective measures.
According to Elbit, the new systems will integrate with existing command-and-control frameworks. Their decentralized design aims to minimize the required modifications for military vehicles and platforms, ultimately enhancing reliability and operational endurance.
Elbit’s laser warning systems are currently utilized worldwide, serving as critical components in advanced self-protection solutions for various military platforms, including aircraft and ground vehicles.
Since its establishment in 2020, Elbit Systems Sweden has become a crucial element in the company’s European operations, employing over 100 individuals. The subsidiary has collaborated with the Swedish defense sector to provide advanced defense solutions and improve digital capabilities.
In June 2026, Elbit demonstrated its digital battlefield networking technologies in Sweden for NATO and European defense representatives, showcasing its commitment to innovation and collaboration within the region.
Tobias Wennberg, CEO of Elbit Systems Sweden, emphasized the importance of this initiative in enhancing local manufacturing capabilities. He noted that it aligns with the company’s core technologies and allows for future expansion. He remarked, “Through the establishment of this center and the transfer of advanced technologies, we aim to provide reliable, long-term, locally supported self-protection solutions for Swedish, European, and NATO customers.”
