Sweden strengthens NATO with military-industrial might.

After years of anticipation, Sweden officially joined NATO on March 7, 2024. Bringing with it a powerful military-industrial complex, this membership represents a significant capability gain for the alliance, particularly amidst the escalating conflict in Ukraine.
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In addition to strengthening NATO's Baltic front, Sweden makes a notable contribution in terms of military and industrial capabilities (Picture source: NATO)

This new expansion poses a challenge to Russia's Baltic Sea Fleet and also provides the alliance with the capability to monitor critical underwater pipelines and cables. Despite having a population of only 10 million and defense spending at 1.54% of its GDP last year, Sweden has developed a significant military-industrial complex as a result of centuries of neutrality.

It produces a wide range of equipment, from Saab JAS 39 Gripen single-engine supersonic fighters to Carl Gustav recoilless rifles, RBS15 anti-ship missiles, and Gotland-class submarines. By the end of 2023, the Swedish military boasted 4 conventional attack submarines, 99 combat-capable aircraft, 110 main battle tanks, 266 artillery units, and 1017 armored personnel carriers.

Sweden's application for NATO membership in May 2022, alongside Finland following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, is more than symbolic. Although the path to membership was longer and fraught with challenges, particularly due to opposition from Turkey and Hungary, the final agreement marks a decisive step. In addition to strengthening NATO's Baltic front, Sweden makes a notable contribution in terms of military and industrial capabilities.

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

Sweden contributes to NATO not only with its military personnel but also with advanced technology. Its export-oriented defense industry meets most domestic equipment needs and now opens up deeper conversations within NATO for Sweden, especially regarding sensitive technology. Saab, the manufacturer of the Gripen jets, being in NATO's inner circle highlights the industrial and strategic benefits of this membership for Sweden and the alliance itself.

Sweden's integration into NATO, triggered by Moscow's decision to invade Ukraine, transforms Northern Europe into a NATO bastion, thereby altering the regional security balance and providing the alliance with enhanced capabilities to face future challenges.

Defense News March 2024