Although the mission is almost timeless, the deteriorating global situation has highlighted the seriousness of succeeding in our work. The English term sense of urgency is apt. The urgent situation is evident through Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But it is important to see Russia's actions in a larger context.
As early as 2007, Putin clarified in his speech at the Munich Conference that he did not accept the prevailing rule-based world order where the sovereignty of all states is respected and where countries' strength is not used to dominate smaller neighboring countries. The attack on Georgia in 2008 and eastern Ukraine and Crimea in 2014 can be explained by Russia's view of the world order. Also, remember the threats against Sweden and Finland in the fall of 2021 and the attempts to divide the EU that Russia sought by sending separate letters with various demands to European leaders. The Russian war of aggression we now see in Ukraine is part of a larger confrontation between Russia and the West, which means that alongside the immediate and important support to Ukraine, we must also prepare for a long conflict and perhaps even war with Russia.
To meet this development, FMV has significantly increased orders to the industry since 2021 with deliveries both here and now but also to build capability in the longer term. Since 2021, the annual order volume from FMV has increased by more than 150%. In parallel, we have done extensive work to prepare FMV to function even at heightened readiness and war. FMV has also been tasked by the government to support Ukraine both with procurements and to assist in building their own FMV, tasks on which we are putting great effort.
In Aviation & Space, we are in an extensive delivery phase to the Armed Forces. This year, for example, we have delivered rescue vehicles, clearance vehicles, command vehicles, sweepers & blowers, command systems, and a variety of other airbase materials. On the aviation side, we have delivered modified helicopters and the new training aircraft, SK 40, and created conditions for more than 34,000 flight hours for the Air Force and other customers. To build capability in the longer term, the development of JAS 39E continues, and a comprehensive upgrade of JAS 39C/D has been ordered. The development of the new command aircraft S 106 is ongoing, and on the weapons side, a larger order of the American radar-guided missile AMRAAM is noted.
Furthermore, analysis is underway on how tactical air transport and helicopter-borne maritime operational capability will be secured in the longer term, as well as planning for the renewal of tactical UAVs. Deliveries in these areas are mainly planned for the second half of the 2020s. In the space area, we will realize capabilities with military applications in the future, primarily related to communication, positioning, timing, and intelligence gathering. A prioritized area is to create a space situational awareness to know where and when an adversary's satellites are over Sweden. Regarding Swedish NATO membership, preparations are also underway at FMV.
Despite the deteriorating global situation and the seriousness of our daily work, we carry a positive feeling into 2024. I feel that we are delivering what is expected of us and that we can become even better in the future. For over a year, a change process has been underway at FMV aimed at increasing efficiency, and that work will continue and gradually improve our operations. We are also increasing efforts to understand and implement the rapidly advancing technological developments in areas such as digitalization and AI.
We will continue to focus on delivering what has been ordered and balancing the short-term and long-term perspectives. As the head of the Aviation & Space Division, I am proud of what we achieve. We make a difference in the work to strengthen the country's defense capability. Our most important success factor is that we do this together with all parts within FMV, with the Armed Forces, and with partners in the industry and internationally!
Brigadier General Lars Helmrich,
Head of Aviation and Space Material at the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration