• Sweden edition

Swedish Armed Forces cuts troops and bases

Published: 6 Mar 10 10:20 CET | Double click on a word to get a translation
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/25378/20100306/

The Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) has proposed to scale down the country's domestic defences, closing at least one air force base, eliminating one troop regiment and halving training resources for home defences.

The reductions will lead to 800 million kronor ($112 million) in savings, which will be invested in the military's transition to a professional army, according to a report from Sveriges Radio (SR).

In July 2010 Sweden's compulsory military service scheme will come to an end and be replaced by a voluntary system, which is not expected to require the same training resources.

"We have a certain over capacity and can carry out our activities in fewer locations," General Lieutenant Jan Salestrand told SR.

"We have not yet started identifying where they should be."

The government has been criticized for plans to close air force bases and regiments, which opponents say will leave the country vulnerable to an attack. A freeze on any closures was ordered until after the general election in September.

However analysts speculate that the most likely candidates for closure will be the F17 air force base in Ronneby in southern Sweden as well as troop regiments in southern and western regions. Northern Sweden is expected to keep the F21 base in Luleå, which hosted Nato war games last year.

Tom Sullivan (news@thelocal.se)

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12:02 March 6, 2010 by Nemesis
During a recession that is not a good idea.

Also Swedish military manufacturers will have a smaller Swedish market to rely upon and therefore have to export more to maintain jobs.
15:17 March 6, 2010 by ingka
which implies that the swedish tax payers should found a military industry. with all respect but being a Swedish taxpayer I have a hard time with that idea.

I think downscaling armed forces is a perfect idea, especially if the armed forces themselves indicate that have over capacity.
16:37 March 6, 2010 by jazzIIIlove
I find the performance of military industry of Sweden rather disappointing nowadays.

As a neutral country, Sweden must export more weaponary to under-developed or developing 3rd World countries.

After all, to overcome this global crisis, this would be rapid healing for lovely Sweden.
17:33 March 6, 2010 by Alex Coman
Sweden hasn t yet a professional army???

In XXI century???

$112 million in savings does not seem to me great savings. On the other hand, I can t see who are the natural enemies of Sweden.
18:53 March 6, 2010 by Swedesmith
Ancient saying:

If you want peace, prepare for war.
21:09 March 6, 2010 by engagebrain
but

if you want war, prepare for war.

hard to know who is preparing for peace or war.
21:52 March 6, 2010 by Roy E
@#6 - engagebrain

but the thing you do know that the nation that isn't prepared for war is there for the taking.

In that case, your last, best defense is being worthless.
22:58 March 6, 2010 by maxbrando
Makes no difference if you swedes close all of them. You are cowards anyway in a country run by females.
01:33 March 7, 2010 by Davey-jo
I'm trying to imagine who would attack Sweden. Have you annoyed anyone lately, I mean since you sent ABBA on the world and we are gradually forgiving you for that.
11:35 March 7, 2010 by texasgubbar
The military should not be a jobs program. Unfortunately it is that in the US where the military budget is over $600,000,000,000 and will soon be over $1 trillion!!! In the near future the entire amount of taxes collected in the US will pay only for 'defense'. The rest will be borrowed. The military industrial complex is a self perpetuating machine which cannot be stopped. Good for Sweden for attempting to do so.
07:58 March 8, 2010 by wenddiver
Why have a strong military?

To ensure the pursuit of Freedom by our people and the pursuit of all who threaten it by our military.-the US and hopefully all the other Democracies like Sweden.
19:24 March 8, 2010 by Abbot
Do you remember Sweden's pathetic performance when Finland was invaded by the USSR and in WW II in general? Better to have a greater military capability than to be caught with your trousers down.
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