| Introduction |
By Hans van Herk
Sweden came into existance as an independent state in the 10th century. A policy of armed neutrality was adopted in 1815 and is still current. Sweden is consequently not a NATO member, but is an enthusiastic member of the United Nations, and many UN peace keeping forces have had Swedish components. Sweden is also self-sufficient in the field of armaments, with a first rate-weapons industry.
All elements - flying and non-flying - of the Air Force, Army and Navy are organised within the Försvarsmakten (Swedish Armed Forces).
| | Svenska Flygvapnet |
Swedish Air Force
Just short after the Swedish Parliament concluded its report in the first half of 2001 on further cutbacks in the Defence budget the command structure within the Swedish Armed Forces was more streamlined. The original three independent Air Commands (South, Central and North) came under one command, the FlygTaktiska Kommando (FTK).
The FlygTaktiska Kommando has its Headquarters at the airbase of Uppsala in Central Sweden. However, there are four Military Districts, three of them with the same territorial extent as the former Joint Commands, the fourth is situated on the island of Gotland. The various Air Force Wings -Flygflottiljen- and Helicopterbatallions -Helikopterbataljonen- are reporting to these Military Districts.
The respective Military Districts are:
- Northern Military District, HQ at Boden
- Central Military District, HQ at Strängnäs
- Southern Military District, HQ at Gothenburg
- Gotlands Military District, HQ at Visby
One can say that the number of squadrons within the Armed Forces is dwindling. The flying units of the Air Force are mainly concentrated in the Northern and Southern Military Districts. Both Districts have two Fighter Wings and five transport and/or communications squadrons. For the oncoming years the squadron strength can be seen in the below mentioned table.
| 2002 |
5 JAS39 squadrons |
2 JA37 squadrons |
1 AJS37 squadron |
6 Air Transport sq |
| 2004 |
7 JAS39 squadrons |
0 JA37 squadrons |
1 AJS37 squadron |
6 Air Transport sq |
| 2006 |
8 JAS39 squadrons |
0 JA37 squadrons |
0 AJS37 squadron |
6 Air Transport sq |
For special purposes the Flygvanet also have an AEW and a SIGINT unit. These units are based at Malmslätt in central Sweden and are equipped with the S100B and S102B, special variants of the Saab 340 and Grumman Gulfstream.
Other designations are Sambandsflygrupp (Communications Flight), the Grundläggande Flygutbildning (Basic Flying Training) and the Grundläggande Taktisk Utbildning (Basic Tactical Training). Miscellaneous units include a Research Centre (Försökscentralen, abbreviated FC) at Malmslätt. Flygflottiljer usually have a regional title, for instance F7 "Skaraborgs Flygflottilj". The other names can be found in the Order of Battle.
| | Försvarsmaktens Helikopterflottilj |
Swedish Armed Forces Helicopter Wing
In 1998 all defence forces helicopter units have been organised in a common helicopter wing, which is called upon as Helikopterflottilj. Recent changes have been made to the organization structure in March 2004 and July 2004. This in order to streamline the Helicopter Command and with more efficiency to the helicopters used. The last few years have seen the withdrawn of the Hkp3 (AB204) and Hkp5 (Hughes 269) helicopters. In August 2004 this line was continued and the Hkp6 (AB206) was withdrawn from use after more than 30 years of service.
The current Order of Battle of four helicopter squadrons and an independent unit which reports directly to the Headquarters of the Helicopter Wing.
New equipment has been bought and will be delivered to the Armed Forces in the oncoming years. These will be the Hkp14 (NH90) of which 18 have been ordered and the Hkp15 (A109) of which 20 have been ordered.
Swedish military aircraft are identified by designations, consisting of a role prefix and a sequential number; role changes reflect themselves in a change of prefix, but not of number - thus, JA37 AJS37 Sk37. Role prefixes in current use include J (Jakt or fighter), A (Attack or attack), S (Spaning or reconaissance), Sk (Skol or trainer), Tp (Transport), Hkp (Helikopter).
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Photo: Berry Vissers
Photo: Sean Wilson
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Order of Battle