When SVT visits the ammunition factory in Karlskoga, operations are at a standstill. Despite the fact that it is usually running around the clock. A delivery of explosives has not arrived as planned.
– It is not unusual in these times when we have major deficiencies in the entire supply chain, says Björn Andersson, business development manager at ammunition manufacturer Nammo.
“Extremely urgent”
For Nammo, everything changed on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In addition to producing ammunition that will go to Ukraine, many European countries now want to replenish their stocks themselves – including Sweden.
Before the summer, the Swedish government decided that certain necessary ammunition, such as artillery shells, should be able to be purchased without following the procurement rules that otherwise apply.
This means that the Swedish state can now buy from factories located in Sweden or the Nordic countries. The government writes in the decision that Sweden’s need for ammunition and increased production capacity is “extremely urgent”.
Sweden, one customer among others
Nammo is an ammunition manufacturer with factories in Sweden, Norway and Finland, but has Finnish and Norwegian ownership.
While both Norway and Finland have special agreements with the ammunition manufacturer that give priority in certain areas, Sweden stands in the queue like everyone else.
– As long as we have peace, the Limited Liability Companies Act applies and whoever orders first gets first. We cannot prioritize Sweden, says Björn Andersson.
In the clip: This is why it is difficult to increase the pace – and costs so much.