The Swedish government's defense bill, announced on October 15, 2024, allocates approximately $100 million to expand Esrange Space Center's infrastructure, repurposing it as a premier launch site for NATO and European military satellites. This strategic move aims to bolster space-based communications, navigation, and intelligence capabilities in the region.

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has commissioned the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) to establish satellite launch infrastructure at Esrange, as part of a broader government initiative to bolster Sweden's space capabilities and strategic autonomy.

On 13 January 2023, King Carl XVI Gustaf and European as well as Swedish political dignitaries inaugurated a new spaceport at Esrange Space Center in Kiruna. The event marks Europe’s first orbital launch complex, reinforcing European space independence and fostering technological innovation.

On January 13, Swedish and European officials, including the Swedish Prime Minister, the King, and the European Commission President, inaugurated the upgraded orbital launch facility at Esrange Space Center. The event emphasized the strategic importance of having independent European access to space amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and a heightened focus on security and sustainability.

On January 13, 2023, Esrange Space Center inaugurated mainland EU's first orbital launch site with a ribbon-cutting attended by democratic leaders including the Swedish Head of State, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Sweden’s Prime Minister. The event emphasized sustainable innovation, competitiveness, and adherence to democratic principles.