Analysis: What are Sweden's Military Capabilities Amidst Its NATO Integration?.

Sweden's recent integration into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) signifies a substantial milestone in Europe's security landscape. After extended negotiations and diplomatic challenges, particularly in response to Turkey's demands and delays by Hungary over criticisms of Hungarian democracy, Sweden officially joined NATO on March 7. This development comes against the backdrop of increased Russian aggression, notably its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, prompting Sweden and Finland to seek membership in the alliance. Sweden's entry into NATO is not merely ceremonial; it brings significant strategic benefits to the alliance.
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Sweden's defense industry is capable of producing a wide range of equipment, from Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters to Carl Gustav recoilless rifles, RBS15 anti-ship missiles, and Gotland-class submarines (Picture source: Swedish Armed Forces)

With a well-equipped Swedish Armed Forces and renewed commitment to defense, Stockholm is poised to play a crucial role in the security of the Nordic region and beyond. As a full member, Sweden contributes comprehensive defense capabilities, strategic influence over the Baltic Sea, and a robust defense industry to NATO.

Regarding its military forces, Sweden has 14,850 active military personnel, with 6,850 in the army, 2,350 in the navy, 2,700 in the air force, and 2,950 in other roles. It also relies on approximately 21,500 volunteers and 11,450 reservists.

The Swedish army is relatively well-equipped with 1,017 APCs, including 239 PBV-302 and 150 BvS-10 MkII, about 411 IFVs including 369 CV9040 and 42 Epbv 90, and 266 artillery pieces including the self-propelled 155 mm L52 Archer. The army also has 110 main battle tanks, specifically the STRV 122 model based on the Leopard 2.

The air force maintains 99 combat aircraft, including Saab JAS 39 Gripen, and has air defense capabilities with 6 M903 Patriot PAC3 MSE units, as well as MIM23B Hawk systems.

Furthermore, it's important to highlight not only the available equipment but also Sweden's production capabilities. Sweden's defense industry is capable of producing a wide range of equipment, from Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters to Carl Gustav recoilless rifles, RBS15 anti-ship missiles, and Gotland-class submarines. 

In recent years, the Swedish Navy has been modernized through various strategic acquisitions. In 2015, Saab Technologies was tasked with constructing the next-generation A26 class submarines, with delivery scheduled from 2027, which will replace the aging Södermanland class submarines. Additionally, the current Gotland class submarines will undergo significant mid-life upgrades. In 2017, an order was placed with Saab Technologies for a new intelligence ship, intended to succeed the HSwMS Orion.

Sweden's strategic position, expertise in Baltic Sea navigation, and the strategic significance of Gotland Island will strengthen NATO's control in this critical area, especially in the context of potential conflicts with Russia. Sweden, possessing the third-largest navy in the Baltic Sea after Russia and Germany, will play a vital role in securing the transportation of troops and materials across this region. Its surface fleet, including Visby-class corvettes and a significant submarine fleet, along with unique amphibious troops designed for speed and flexibility in coastal areas, will provide NATO with increased defensive options in coastal and archipelagic scenarios. These capabilities are unique among NATO members in the Baltic region.

Sweden's NATO membership enhances European solidarity against Russian attempts to divide the alliance. This unity is particularly relevant in the Nordic context, where Sweden and Finland's joining completes the Arctic defense arrangement alongside Norway and Iceland. Moreover, Sweden's inclusion emphasizes the importance of Nordic cooperation, as evidenced by a memorandum signed with Norway, Finland, and Denmark to integrate their air forces.

With a defense budget of $9.2 billion in 2023, accounting for 1.54% of its GDP, and increased investments in anticipation of NATO membership, Sweden plans to meet NATO's target of allocating at least 2% of GDP to defense spending by 2024. These investments are primarily aimed at equipment acquisition, with the investment share of the defense budget increasing from 28% in 2019 to 44% this year.

Sweden's presence in NATO also offers a crucial geostrategic dimension, acting as a forward base for allied forces and securing transit routes to northern Norway, Finland, and the Baltic states. With the Host Nation Support agreement between Sweden and NATO, allied forces can already use Swedish territory, airspace, and territorial waters, thereby strengthening the collective defense of Northern Europe.

Defense News March 2024