Defence technology startup Nordic Air Defence (NAD) has appointed former Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström as Director of Strategy and Government Affairs. This marks Billström’s first full-time position since stepping away from frontline politics in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience to the company.
Billström’s political career spans nearly three decades, during which he held several key ministerial roles, including Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Migration. He also served as Parliamentary Group Leader of the Moderate Party and as First Deputy Speaker from 2014 to 2017. His extensive background in government and international relations will be instrumental in shaping NAD’s strategic direction and government engagement.
In his new role, Billström will lead the company’s interactions with governments, defence departments, and security organisations. He will also be involved in operations across the entire company, contributing to Nordic Air Defence’s broader activities. “We are delighted to welcome Tobias to Nordic Air Defence,” said Karl Rosander, CEO of Nordic Air Defence. “His knowledge and appreciation of the global political and defence landscapes will complement our mission to contribute to a safer and more stable world. His experience is unrivalled, and we share a great sense of purpose and public service. Tobias will enable NAD to cut through the noise and deliver our life-saving technology to our allies.”
Headquartered in Stockholm, Nordic Air Defence specialises in developing high-tech defensive solutions for both civilian and military applications. The company’s flagship product, the Kreuger 100XR, is a high-speed kinetic interceptor designed to counter drone threats. Billström’s appointment comes at a critical time as the company seeks to expand its influence and impact in the defence sector.
Billström will join a team of professionals with backgrounds from firms such as Anduril, Palantir, Teledyne FLIR, Kratos, FOI (the Swedish Defence Research Agency), and Saab, among others. “I am energised to start at Nordic Air Defence,” Billström said. “We must urgently get the best technology to market in order to deliver a safer Europe. In a world of bad actors, we must ensure our allies have the best defensive technology to protect lives and safeguard critical infrastructure.”
This strategic appointment underscores Nordic Air Defence’s commitment to leveraging top-tier talent to drive innovation and security solutions. Billström’s deep understanding of global politics and defence issues will be pivotal as the company continues to advance its mission of providing cutting-edge defensive technologies.