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On Tuesday, the Riksdag achieved a historic increase in the defense budget, which will increase by 40 percent through 2025.
– What should defense be used for? What are we planning? It’s a harsh reality, explains Peter Hultqvist.
Talk to DN about the new decision that the government took on Thursday. It sets the course for the Armed Forces in the years 2021-2025.
– We assume that the security policy situation continues to deteriorate, says the Defense Minister.
This means that the long-standing formula that an attack on Sweden is “unlikely” no longer applies. Instead, the Riksdag and the government say that “an armed attack on Sweden cannot be ruled out.” A major conflict “can start with an attack on Sweden.”
– It may be about preventing us from helping another party, about driving a wedge between ourselves and, for example, Finland. Or you want to use the Swedish surface for other purposes: we are not the main target, but you have to control something in Sweden in order to reach your main objective, says Peter Hultqvist.
Armored snipers in a Fighting Vehicle 90 in Gnesta during exercise Aurora 17.
Photo: Alexander Mahmoud
The Government’s direction decision it does not flag any potential attacker. But in practice, it is about Russia. In a major conflict in Europe, neighbors like the Baltic States of NATO may be threatened. Russia’s war and annexations in Georgia, Ukraine and cyber attacks on other countries are seen as omens.
– It is clear that what has happened on the part of Russia has been the basis for us to change our defense and security policy. But to start targeting an attacker now, I don’t want to do that. But we must have a realistic scenario, responds Peter Hultqvist.
The government paints a picture of a comprehensive attack on Sweden. Everything from ballistic robots to IT attacks is deployed by the attacker to create chaos and break the will to resist. Parts of Swedish territory may be affected by heavy fighting, depending on the government scenario.
– For us it is important to clearly explain what it is about. To prepare yourself for that kind of scenario. We are building the Swedish defense to be able to handle a situation of crisis and war, says Peter Hultqvist.
Tanks advance south of Gnesta during exercise Aurora 17.
Photo: Alexander Mahmoud, Alexander Mahmoud
Many wonder enough however, why should Sweden be exposed to attack?
– For example, to take control of Gotland. If you move there with long-range pesticides, it has a completely different scope, it has an effect in the Baltic states, in Åland, Finland and the Swedish mainland. You get a completely different setting and control over the Baltic Sea, explains Peter Hultqvist.
From the south of Sweden it is possible to control the outputs of the Baltic Sea and from the north of Calotte the transport lines across the Atlantic can be controlled, the minister notes.
The goal of defense is to resist war so that there is no attack. Rearmament is a part of the repository’s decision.
If Sweden is attacked after all we must persevere to “buy time.” The other part of the defense decision is deep cooperation with other countries.
– It’s about managing Sweden’s defense so well that we can also receive support from others, says Peter Hultqvist.
Therefore, Sweden’s military operations must be planned jointly with Finland. Furthermore, our defense plans must be coordinated with plans for the NATO countries Denmark, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States.
– These collaborations play an extremely important role, emphasizes Peter Hultqvist.
Read more:
Hard debate on NATO before investing in defense
Online military maps reveal secret facilities
NATO General: “Pretty sure” Sweden will get help
