IN FOCUS: Sweden acts smart to deliver 'complete air force'

[Chrisis]

IN FOCUS: Sweden acts smart to deliver 'complete air force'

At its peak military strength during the early years of the Cold War, Sweden boasted an inventory of about 1,000 combat aircraft, giving it one of the largest and best-equipped air forces in the world.

Types operated include the nationally developed Saab J29 Tunnan, or "flying barrel", which was a precursor to later indigenous types such as the Lansen, Draken and Viggen.

While its traditional principal role of national defence remains, the changed-threat scenario facing Stockholm since the demise of the Soviet Union more than 20 years ago means its air arm faces a very different set of challenges today.

"We are a complete air force, capable of performing a wide range of tasks," says Maj Gen Micael Bydén, the service's chief of staff. "We operate primarily in Sweden, the near-abroad and, where suitable, further."

Saab Gripens provide quick reaction alert cover at home, while a fleet of three Erieye radar-equipped Saab 340s provide airborne early warning and control services. Two modified Gulfstream IVs deliver an electronic warfare capability.

"There are no immediate threats to our country, so we must be able to react individually, or with others," says Bydén.

Lees verder over Gripen C/D + E ontwikkelingen, helikopters, transportvliegtuigen etc.

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