– In order to achieve a more effective defence, the first requirement is for a clearer direction for the associated activities. This is the view of Peter Nordlund, a scientist at FOI and a specialist in defence economics. The choice of overall direction affects the structure and organisation of Swedish defence as well as the recruiting and training of personnel, which in turn has a major effect on costs.

– We have made the point in earlier reports that the economic analyses need to be strengthened substantially. The financial control is today limited to with assuring that the funding allocated during that budget year is sufficient. Economic analysis as an active part of decision making is something quite different. It is something that is needed if short-term financial difficulties are to be avoided.

– Defence today finds itself in a time of transition between old and new concepts of the business of defence. The ability to defend the nation has to be maintained while at the same time strengthening the capacity to undertake international peace support operations, requirements which can often involve conflicting aims. Defence costs have considerable built-in inertia and there are major structural problems in the defence organisation which take time to resolve. The way in which these problems are addressed has a decisive effect on how defence cost develop, and our newly published report contains proposals as to how Swedish defence could be shaped while maintaining a balance between the requirements of Swedish society and the financial resources available, concludes Peter Nordlund.

Download abstract in English or full report in Swedish under Related links to the right.