Russia's aggression in Ukraine and a USA that says it wants to reduce its engagement in Europe is shaking the European countries.
It is the most serious security policy situation since the end of World War II, says Pål Jonson.
Denmark has this week presented a defense initiative worth approximately 75 billion kronor over two years. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's message is "buy, buy, buy".
Long delivery times
Jonson compares that Sweden invested 126 billion kronor in defense investments last year and that defense expenditures amount to 2.4 percent of GDP, above NATO's current goal.
We have already increased defense investments significantly. But it is also important to place orders so that you can quickly gain access to the defense industrial base in Europe and other places. Also considering that delivery times are long, he says.
Exactly increased pace in the defense industry is crucial, according to the Defense Minister.
We are working intensively in the Government Offices to develop a new defense industry strategy that builds on increased production, increased innovation, and also increased cooperation between defense companies, authorities, and academia.
Following the plan
In addition, personnel and infrastructure are of course also required. With larger conscript cohorts and more employed soldiers, Jonson believes that Sweden is on the right track.
It is crucial that the three parts are well-synchronized – between personnel, infrastructure, and materiel.
Are we in phase, are we upgrading at the pace we need?
The last two years, the work on the upgrade has intensified significantly. It follows the plan that exists. Then the deteriorated security policy situation may make us need to do even more.
Strength in Ukraine
When it comes to support for Ukraine, nothing is ruled out, says Jonson. But whether Sweden would have the capability to participate in a future peacekeeping force is unclear.
We are of course looking at the question, but it is a bit too early to say exactly what we could contribute, he says.
Since we do not have a concrete plan on the table, it is difficult to say. But it must also build on both European and American security guarantees in some form if it were to be relevant with such a force.
