American components have been a natural part of the Swedish defense industry for many years, ranging from software to the actual engine in the JAS Gripen plane.
The US is a leader in many areas. There is almost no alternative to American suppliers, says Robert Limmergård, Secretary General of the Swedish Security and Defence Companies Association.
At the same time, there is interest within Europe in achieving a more self-sufficient defense industry.
The EU has put a lot of effort into it, but it hasn't gone very far, says Martin Lundmark.
The US wants to sell
Robert Limmergård describes the dependence on components as mutual between Sweden and the USA.
There are certain niche Swedish technical areas, for example in the space sector with satellite terminals and visibility systems, where Sweden is very good, which means that the US also has a dependence on our technology.
At the same time, the United States has a great interest in continuing to sell its components to the European defense industry.
It is, of course, in their interest - both for the companies and for the state and the military - that more of these products are produced, because then the companies become stronger and it strengthens the US's self-sufficiency, says Martin Lundmark.
French road
However, the dependence on American components varies across European countries. Since the 1960s, France has actively worked to minimize dependence on American components in the defense industry.
It's a strategy, but it also means they have to maintain a very broad defense industry, says Martin Lundmark.
At the same time, he is doubtful that the Swedish defense industry would be able to adopt the same strategy.
It would be an incredibly large investment that needs to be made and maintained.
