– Ultimately, the state must be prepared to get involved in ownership, so that the state could be a part owner in Saab. It would also be possible to find contractual structures that give the state an influence in the event that the ownership image or direction of Saab is changed, says Peter Hultqvist.
It is the new challenges that the defense industry is facing after Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine that makes Peter Hultqvist request greater governmental influence.
Particularly important for Sweden is the manufacture of combat aircraft and submarines.
And according to Hultqvist, that manufacturing must continue to be prioritized, even if new ownership relationships and interests are added.
But the moderate Jörgen Berglund in the defense committee believes that a defense industry that is not owned by the state is a success factor.
– One of the decisive reasons why the Swedish defense industry is so successful is that it has had to fight in a tough market. That they have developed fine products that are cutting edge in the world. What that means should not be underestimated, he says.