Sweden will contribute over 5 billion to procure more robots
the Patriot air defense system.
Defense Minister Pål Jonsson (M) announces this.
– The news we have today is that Sweden, together with other countries, has decided to acquire over 1,000 Patriot robots, it is good that we have the system but it is crucial that we have plenty of ammunition, says Jonson in News morning.
Together with several other European countries, they invest 60 billion, from the Swedish side over five billion.
– It is an experience from the war in Ukraine, that a lot of patriot robots are used as Russia has both ballistic robots, fighter jets and cruise robots, says Jonson and adds:
– The other thing that is new is that the production will take place in Europe, it is good that there are more places where these robots are produced.
The Minister of Defense believes that the announcement will create a stronger European defense industrial base.
Can push prices together
The Patriot system is an American air defense system within the Swedish Armed Forces, it is called Air Defense System 103. Sweden uses two different robots, one to shoot down different types of enemy aircraft and one that is used against ballistic missiles and cruise robots.
– We join forces with other countries, then we can push down the prices and ensure that we get more robots, says Jonson.
That the robots will be manufactured in Europe is a positive aspect according to Jonson, as there is a lack of production capacity within the European defense industry.
Jonson: Not sustainable with such one-sided support
Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election has led to many questions connected to the war in Ukraine. Trump has previously promised to resolve the conflict in 24 hours, and there are reports in the American media that Trump wants to withdraw support completely to Ukraine.
– What we take with us is the basic equation that it is not sustainable in the long run for an ally to account for two-thirds of the defense investments in the Euro-Atlantic area.
At the same time, Jonson believes that a change is being seen among the NATO countries, where more and more are investing more in defence. NATO members are expected to spend at least 2 percent of their country’s GDP on defense. Today, Sweden spends 2.2 percent on defense, a figure that is expected to be 2.4 percent next year.
– We also expect the other allies to act in a similar way, says Jonson.
Today 07:21