This week, the government and the Swedish Democrats came with the news – the Swedish defense will be fastened with loans that are expected to be able to land at SEK 300 billion. It is the largest military venture since the Cold War. The reason is the threat from Russia, while the United States is feared to reduce its commitment.
But how equipped is Sweden really if the war came? Hans Liwång, Professor Defense College, believes that Sweden has a defense force with many different special competencies.
– But we may not have so much of each, neither staff nor equipment. We have also given away some of the equipment we had to Ukraine. The number is quite small, but there is excellence, he says in after five and continues:
– If a large state were to spend all its forces trying to invade Sweden, it would be very difficult. But it is a very unlikely scenario. It is difficult to talk about it, but after an initial period you would need help.
So will you act if the war comes
At best, Sweden has decided on heightened preparedness before the war arrives. But his liwång also goes through how to act as a private person.
– If we are attacked by an armed attack, the government can make a decision that we are at war. Then there are new laws and regulations that manage how Sweden works. P4 is the official channel to inform, where you should get the state’s information about what is happening, he says.
The professor also emphasizes the importance of society having to continue to function.
– Most of us will continue to do what we do in peacetime even in war. Everything from preschool, school, authorities, the police and companies will continue. But some of us who have war placement will be on their war placement, where specific orders come out for how to do it, he says.
“Need to read on”
Hans Liwång also says that the military is dependent on civil society.
– We have a prosperous and educated population. I think the biggest challenge for civil society would be to understand what a war would mean. Companies, individuals and organizations need to read about what you can help with and what role you would have if there was a war. Most often it is about being even sharper on what you already do, he says.