FMV's expanded role is part of the government's effort to intensify support for Ukraine. The Swedish officials, who are expected to work from the Swedish embassy in Kyiv, will focus on securing maintenance, spare parts, and logistics for the military support that Sweden has already provided.
"We have provided extensive military support to Ukraine, and FMV plays an important role when it comes to securing supply solutions," says Pål Jonson.
Sweden's military support has so far consisted of 16 support packages with a total value of 43.5 billion kronor. Among the equipment donated are Combat Vehicle 90, Leopard 2 tanks, Archer artillery systems, and various types of anti-tank missiles and advanced ammunition. FMV's new mission will include working to analyze and learn from how this materiel has performed in combat.
"We naturally want to bring lessons home from this," Jonson emphasizes.
FMV's role is also linked to the fact that Sweden's defense materiel resources are beginning to be limited. Jonson emphasizes that Sweden must now transition from donating surplus materiel to producing new equipment specifically for Ukraine.
"FMV will therefore play a crucial role in building up Ukraine's procurement capability," he says.
While Sweden expands its support to Ukraine, new laws are coming into effect that enable the so-called DCA agreement, which grants the U.S. military the right to use 17 Swedish military bases and training areas.
"It may be at some of the 17 designated locations that one might see an increased military presence, but this will naturally occur in close dialogue between the U.S. military and the Swedish," says Jonson.