Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M) likens the new plan for defense reinforcement to a stem replacement rather than a facade renovation.
A description that Oscar Jonsson, researcher in war science at the Defense University, agrees with.
This is what is needed. Everything from ammunition to logistics - it doesn't make big headlines, but it's what's needed for capability. You can't get away from it.
He points out that previous defense decisions have created imbalances in the Defense Forces.
It has never really hung together. You've increased ambitions but then the defense doesn't get the resources for it and then the conditions change.
The clearest thing is that the 2020 defense decision has not been implemented, we haven't reached the goal with what was ordered then.
Lacking several capabilities
Therefore, today's defense proposition is quite similar to the previous defense decision. The framework for how all three defense branches should develop is essentially the same.
At the same time, there is a completely different world situation today. In 2020, Russia had not launched its large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Oscar Jonsson is critical that Sweden has not incorporated the lessons from the war more. Among other things, he lacks investments in electronic warfare.
A electronic warfare battalion is proposed, while in the war in Ukraine it is a breadth capability that exists in all units along the front. It's one of the most common ways to take down drones.
He is also critical that they are not investing more in their own drones.
We knew this two years ago, that this is a permanent part of all warfare on the front. It needs to get out to almost all units to develop tactics and exercise.
"Can't lean back"
Another capability he believes is lacking is more air defense.
It's what keeps Ukraine alive. Now we're going to acquire 2.5 brigade air defense, which is basically self-protection for the brigades, which is good, but it's not an increase in ambition for long-range air defense.
In contrast, Poland placed an order last summer for four times the entire Swedish long-range air defense, he points out.
The Defense Minister notes that Sweden is now part of NATO's integrated missile and air defense. But that only helps to some extent, according to Oscar Jonsson.
We can't in any way lean back and think that it will solve itself.
