Both the Social Democrats and the Sweden Democrats support the government's total defense proposal in general, but have criticism on some points.
All parliamentary parties agreed in the Defense Committee last spring that a new war unit, Norrland's Infantry Regiment, corresponding to three rifle battalions with a total of 2,400-3,000 soldiers, should be established. However, it is not included in the proposal.
Wistedt thinks that at least they should start training officers for the unit.
We cannot let this fall by the wayside just because there are not enough armored vehicles or something, he says.
12,000 Conscripts
According to him, a lightweight unit is needed that can move through the snow off the roads, unlike the mechanized brigades with heavy tanks and combat vehicles.
The Social Democrats' defense policy spokesperson, Peter Hultqvist, is also worried that the infantry regiment will not be established at all.
The Sweden Democrats and the Social Democrats are also critical that the proposal does not set a goal of training 12,000 conscripts annually from 2032, but instead postpones the goal until 2035 at the latest.
This type of delay can lead to things being dragged out even further. You have to be distinct and clear in these types of issues, says Hultqvist.
Both the Social Democrats and the Sweden Democrats believe that Sweden must take a stand soon on what type of fighter aircraft Sweden will have beyond the Gripen model that will start being delivered to the Defense Forces next year.
Cannot Wait
The idea is that a decision will be made in 2030 on whether Sweden will continue to develop fighter aircraft on its own or, for example, buy finished American fighter aircraft.
We don't have time to wait six years to decide which path we will take, says Wistedt.
The Sweden Democrats want to see a Swedish fighter aircraft in the future adapted to Swedish conditions and needs.
Hultqvist wants a fighter aircraft with "Nordic-Swedish design".
If we are to maintain competence, that work must start now, he says.
Hultqvist is also disappointed that the proposal does not mention considering increasing the number of submarines from five to six, which the Defense Committee agreed on.
