Swedish Armed Forces | Operational Quantities of Equipment 2024 | How strong is Sweden’s defence?

#army #military #sweden If you want to support the channel, you can buy me a coffe here: Any help is greatly appreciated. In this review of Sweden’s armed forces, the Swedish Armed Forces, or in Swedish Sveriges försvarsmakt (Försvarsmakten), we look at the quantities of both manpower and equipment. We also look at the operational quantities of equipment, because it is often less than the actual listed amounts. Please bear in mind that this list is not exhaustive as armies often do not disclose all of their gear. TThe Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) are integral to Sweden’s national defense and international security commitments. Comprising the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Home Guard, they protect Sweden’s sovereignty and participate in global peacekeeping efforts. The Swedish Army (Svenska Armén) focuses on land defense, particularly in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Key units include mechanized brigades equipped with modern armored vehicles like the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle and Leopard 2A5 tanks. The Army emphasizes readiness and resilience, with conscription reintroduced in 2017 to ensure a well-trained force. Regular training exercises like Aurora and Northern Wind maintain high preparedness levels. The Swedish Navy (Svenska Marinen) protects Sweden’s coastline and maritime interests, including the Baltic Sea. The fleet includes Gotland-class submarines with advanced stealth capabilities and Visby-class corvettes, which are among the world’s most advanced stealth ships. The Navy focuses on mine countermeasures to ensure safe passage in the Baltic Sea, a region with dense shipping traffic and historical minefields. The Swedish Air Force (Svenska Flygvapnet) defends Sweden’s airspace and supports ground and naval forces. It operates JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, known for versatility and advanced avionics, capable of a wide range of missions. The Air Force participates in international exercises like Arctic Challenge and Red Flag to ensure interoperability with allied forces and stay updated on the latest tactics and technologies. The Swedish Home Guard (Hemvärnet) provides rapid response and supports civil authorities in crises. Composed of part-time volunteers with prior military experience, it is organized into regional units for quick mobilization. The Home Guard guards critical infrastructure, conducts territorial surveillance, and assists in disaster response, integrating closely with civilian emergency services. Sweden’s defense policy, shaped by its neutrality and strategic location, has evolved due to regional security concerns, especially following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. This shift has led to increased defense spending, enhanced cooperation with neighboring countries, and active participation in international security initiatives. While not a NATO member, Sweden has close ties with the alliance through the Partnership for Peace program and bilateral agreements. Cooperation with Finland is particularly strong, with joint exercises and coordinated defense planning. Modernization and technological advancements are key priorities for the Swedish Armed Forces. Investments in research and development, often in collaboration with Sweden’s defense industry, ensure cutting-edge capabilities in cyber defense, electronic warfare, and unmanned systems. The Swedish defense industry, including companies like Saab and BAE Systems Hägglunds, plays a crucial role in developing advanced military equipment like the JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet and the Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle. Sweden’s tradition of contributing to international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions underscores its commitment to global security. Swedish troops have been deployed in various UN and EU missions, including in Mali, Kosovo, and Afghanistan, providing valuable experience and showcasing Sweden’s capabilities. In summary, the Swedish Armed Forces are a robust institution reflecting Sweden’s strategic priorities and commitment to security. The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Home Guard each play essential roles in ensuring national defense and contributing to international stability. Strategic investments in modernization, readiness, and international cooperation underscore Sweden’s dedication to maintaining an effective and responsive military. As security challenges evolve, the Swedish Armed Forces continue to adapt and innovate, remaining a key player in regional and global defense. As individual soldier loadouts are often varied, we’ve not included small arms, mines, uniforms etc. All pictures and logos sourced from open sources or with the consent from the owner or rights holder, or with the implicit right of fair use. Music by MaxKoMusic - 00:00 - 00:18 Intro 00:18 - 5:02 Army 5:02 - 7:18 Air Force 7:18 - 9:13 Navy 9:13 - 13:02 Analysis