Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors comments on Defence Commission report
"The Defence Commission confirms every single part of the defence policy line pursued by the Government as expressed in speeches and articles from the Sälen meeting onwards, a line that focuses on renewal. It also confirms that 2008 may be the year in which the greatest renewal of defence policy in a decade takes place.
"A flexible operational defence, suitable for use at home and abroad.The key is availability. Recruitment on a voluntary basis, with an element of professional full time soldiers. Broad and deepened Nordic cooperation, joint Baltic surveillance, participation in NATO´s air situation picture and collaboration with NATO in international operations. Choice of which capabilities to maintain and which to do without, a structure and organisation that is more effective and efficient. Civil-military collaboration, a long-term and sustainable approach and a focus on international operations. A doubling of the level of ambition for international operations. Emphasis on better financial management and respect for civilian expertise in the Swedish Armed Forces. A new, more effective and efficient equipment supply process, with purchase of off-the-shelf equipment as the main option, support for the European Defence Agency (EDA), pooling of equipment with other countries and support for the Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC). All this combined with a reformed agency structure and transfer of resources from peripheral activities to operational advantage.
Sweden makes bid to supply 48 Gripen aircraft to Norway
Today Sweden presented a bid to the Norwegian Ministry of Defence offering joint development, and sale to Norway, of 48 Gripen aircraft. The bid also includes support equipment, support systems and coordinated training, maintenance and support, which would have major advantages for both Sweden and Norway.
Swedish participation in air transport cooperation
Today the Government presented a bill to the Riksdag on multilateral cooperation on strategic air transport (2007/08:56).
The bill has been prepared in light of Sweden's long-term need to ensure access to strategic military air transport capacity, partly due to the increased ambition to participate in international crisis management operations.
Sweden enters into an agreement with Thailand on Gripen
On Thursday 24 January, the Government authorised the Defence Materiel Administration to enter into an agreement with the air force in Thailand on the transfer of an integrated air surveillance system comprising JAS 39 Gripen and the Erieye radar surveillance system.
Summary of report by the Swedish Defence Commission
Security in Cooperation (Ds 2007:46): The Swedish Defence Commission´s analysis of challenges and threats.
The Swedish Defence Commission is appointed by the Government to undertake studies on long term developments of Swedish Security and Defence Policy. It consists of one member from each of the seven parties in Parliament and its objective is to achieve political consensus as far as possible. This report is based on a comprehensive and holistic approach to security.
US transport aircraft to take part in Nordic Battle Group final exercise
The US is sending a C17 aircraft to take part in the Nordic Battle Group's (NBG) final exercise. The aim is to demonstrate and practice a 'transport lift'. This will also show the importance of interoperability between different countries and how resources can be pooled.
Sten Tolgfors new Minister for Defence
Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt today appointed Sten Tolgfors Minister for Defence. The Prime Minister commented on the appointment as follows:
"During his time as Minister for Foreign Trade, Sten Tolgfors has shown good leadership qualities and an ability to successfully position Sweden in international contexts. Mr Tolgfors has been a Member of the Riksdag, a Political Adviser at the Ministry of Defence and has worked for the Swedish Red Cross. Through this, the prospects for success are good regarding the continued renewal of the Swedish Armed Forces and stronger international operations aimed at promoting international peace and security, and thus to our own security."
