A Functional Defence - 2010
In March 1997 a large-scale study project was launched at Supreme Headquarters to assess the structure of Sweden?s defence in the 21st century. The parliamentary Defence Committee concluded that an invasion whose purpose is to occupy Sweden, wholly or in part, did not appear to be a feasible alternative in the next ten years, provided that Sweden maintained a basic defence capability. Sweden could use more defence capabilities for international operations, in which military tasks often go hand in hand with humanitarian ones. The Defence Commission's periodic review of defence policy was conducted in 1999.
Parliament adopted a new management and monitoring system for the Armed Forces. The planning model that was designed in accordance with this decision subsequently played an important part in the deliberations on defence policy between the Social Democrats and the opposition parties during the early winter of 1999. This model also laid the foundation for the proposals concerning the future structure of the Armed Forces that were presented in May 1999. In brief, the purpose of the model was to achieve a better match between the tasks laid down by the Government and Parliament and the organization of operational units.
In June 2008, an unanimous Defence Commission submitted its report Försvar i användning1 [Defence in Use]. The report contained specific proposals in a number of areas. These included a new principle with regard to personnel provision, rationalisation of the funding authorities, a transition from heavier to lighter combat units, far-reaching collaboration in the Baltic Sea area, measures to concretise civil-military coordination and better financial management of the Armed Forces. The Commission further proposed a division between permanent and contract units, and that national service conscripts be barred from serving in any future operational organisation. These recommendations are fully in line with the shift in priorities that must be made to create a usable defence force. The Bill "A functional defence" 2008/09:140 is largely based on the Defence Commission's proposals.
The experts concluded that "a clear ability to rapidly deploy forces" was essential, and that Sweden's current defense capabilities--putting tens of thousands of troops into the field one to three years after a mobilization decision is made--was "obsolete." Instead, Sweden needs forces readily available within one week to half a year, Raeder told DASD Townsend. Due to this new posture, the Government of Sweden decided to take the controversial step to end conscription and move to an all-volunteer force. For years, Swedish military forces were directed to: defend Sweden; uphold Sweden's territorial integrity; engage in peacekeeping; and support civil society in times of crisis. Under the new policy, participation in peacekeeping operations obliged Swedish forces to be ready to conduct operations in Sweden, its region, and outside of its region. Protection of Sweden has been extended beyond defending its territorial integrity, to encompass national sovereignty as well, which can include national sovereign rights outside of Swedish territory. The 2009 Defense Bill ended conscription, changing Swedish contingency planning from a large force deployable in one to three years to a small all-volunteer force deployable within a week to six months. In a significant break with the past, it also changed Swedish defense priorities, focusing on international threats to Swedish sovereignty and regional security, not just threats to its territorial integrity. In addition, Sweden's changing security policy entails that any attack in the region would be viewed as affecting Sweden too, and Sweden "will not remain passive" in such an event. The new Defense Bill was implemented in the 2010-14 time frame with all changes to be completed by 2017.
The Government established a new focus for Swedish defence in its Bill "A functional defence" 2008/09:140, published 19 March 2009. A focus that will provide a significantly stronger defence capability. In the Bill, the Government proposes a principle focus for the work of achieving a more functional and available defence. A defence that, unlike the old model, can immediately be deployed, wherever it is needed. The Swedish Armed Forces and its supporting agencies will therefore implement extensive reforms, in which the organisation will be given an entirely new basis and structure. The entire operational organisation of some 50 000 people will be able to be used within a week after a decision on heightened alert. Previously only around one-third of the national operational organisation was equipped and prepared for an operation within one year. The Swedish Armed Forces' new operational organisation should be in place in 2014, although not all units are expected to be fully operational by then, mainly owing to a predicted shortage of personnel.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
