Defense firm Elbit Systems expands operations in Europe with new Swedish facility

Elbit Systems' new Swedish facility aims to expand its European presence, strengthen local manufacturing, shorten delivery times, and improve support for defense customers.Follow us on GoogleThe Elbit Systems UK stand is pictured on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 in in Farnborough, south-west of London, on July 20, 2026. (photo credit: Toby Shepheard / AFP via Getty Images)OCTOBER 17, 2026 03:16Updated: OCTOBER 17, 2026 03:19Elbit Systems Sweden AB announced on Wednesday that it plans to establish the Israeli defense company's first European production and maintenance center for laser warning systems (LWS) in Sweden, as part of efforts to strengthen European defense manufacturing and support the security needs of NATO member states.The facility, expected to become operational in 2027, will provide local integration, assembly, maintenance, and long-term technical support for laser warning systems supplied to European customers.The initiative is part of Elbit Systems' long-term strategy to expand its industrial presence across Europe and strengthen local manufacturing and technological capabilities. The company said the facility would help improve system availability, shorten delivery times, and enhance support for European customers.The establishment of local production capabilities also comes as European countries increase defense spending following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and pressure from US President Donald Trump for NATO allies to raise their military expenditure. Local manufacturing could strengthen Elbit's position in European defense procurement programs that prioritize domestic or regional industrial participation.Elbit Systems to produce next-generation laser warning technology in SwedenThe planned facility will focus on Elbit Systems' next-generation passive laser warning systems, designed to immediately detect and locate laser threats directed at military platforms. The technology provides crews with additional time and operational flexibility to deploy protective measures.Multicopter drones hang on display at the Elbit exhibition stand at the 2026 ILA Berlin Air Show on June 11, 2026 in Schoenefeld, Germany. (credit: SEAN GALLUP/GETTY IMAGES)According to the company, the new systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing command-and-control infrastructure. Their decentralized architecture reduces the number of components, minimizes modifications required to military platforms, and is intended to improve reliability and operational durability.Armed forces worldwide already deploy Elbit's laser warning systems as key components of advanced self-protection suites for military aircraft, vehicles, and other platforms.Sweden becomes a key hub for Elbit's European defense operationsEstablished in 2020, Elbit Systems Sweden has become an increasingly important part of the company's European operations, employing more than 100 people across the country. The subsidiary serves as a regional hub for Elbit's activities in Northern Europe and works closely with Sweden's defense industry.In recent years, Elbit Systems Sweden has supported the Swedish Armed Forces through advanced defense and digitalization programs, strengthening its position as a long-term industrial and technology partner.The expansion follows other Elbit initiatives in Europe. In June 2026, the company conducted major demonstrations of its digital battlefield networking capabilities in Sweden for representatives of NATO militaries and European defense companies.Elbit has also expanded its European business through defense contracts involving Greece and Sweden, reflecting growing demand for Israeli-developed military technology and locally supported defense systems.Elbit Sweden CEO highlights local manufacturing and NATO supply chainsTobias Wennberg, CEO of Elbit Systems Sweden, said the initiative represents an important step in expanding the subsidiary's industrial capabilities and strengthening its ability to develop, deliver, and manufacture systems locally."This initiative represents an important step for us and reflects our commitment to strengthening our capabilities to develop, deliver, and produce locally," Wennberg said. "It also aligns well with our core technologies and enables us to expand our scope going forward.""Through the establishment of this center and the transfer of advanced technologies, we aim to support Swedish, European, and NATO customers with reliable, long-term, and locally supported self-protection solutions with secure and sovereign supply chains," he added.Follow us on Google