The Coast Guard is tasked with preparing an armament of the agency, which TV4 News was the first to report on. The purpose is to be able to protect personnel and in crisis situations cooperate better with the military.
The armament is non-existent today and we need to address that in light of the security situation. The Coast Guard must get better conditions for self-defense of their sea-going platforms, says Minister for Civil Defense Carl-Oskar Bohlin (M).
On the ships, it can be about electronic means, but also heavier weapons such as machine guns, automatic cannons and sensors to detect and shoot down drones, which Bohlin specifically mentions as a current threat.
Today, one does not have that capability, he says.
The Coast Guard will evaluate the issue in consultation with the Defense Forces.
It is not impossible that there is room for that type of equipment on board, says Bohlin.
Aside from the ships, it can also be about other handheld weapons for the employees.
Today, the personnel only have simple handheld weapons. It can also be about heavier reinforcement weapons that the personnel may need.
The proposal is to be completed at the beginning of next year.
