Sweden's defence is now being built up at a pace not seen since the 1950s. At the same time, a crucial question is emerging: how do we ensure that investments actually strengthen defence capability?

According to MilDef, it is not about technology in itself, but about the right technology, integrated into existing systems and implemented in the right way. As digitalisation and the pace of innovation increase, close collaboration between industry and the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) is required, with a focus on operational effect and concrete capabilities.

"To create a genuine increase in capability, new technology must be quickly integrated, scaled up and used in an operational environment. Innovation therefore cannot be a side track, but must be part of the industrialisation and operational delivery from the outset," says Fredrik Persson, Chief Technology Officer at MilDef Group.

MilDef sees its role here as a player that connects technology, systems and implementation. With a focus on robust IT solutions and a clear holistic perspective, the company contributes to ensuring that technology investments are translated into concrete defence capability.

Digital excellence strengthening defence

Sweden has long been a leader in digitalisation. The opportunity now exists to translate that expertise into operational defence capability. The question is not whether the technology exists, but how quickly it can make a difference in practice.

The key lies in making digital innovation work where it is needed most: in robust systems, in the field and under demanding conditions. This means secure IT platforms, real-time data and the ability to integrate new solutions without losing momentum.

When digital expertise is combined with an understanding of defence environments, innovation can not only be developed, but also implemented and sustained over time. The result is increased efficiency and strengthened defence capability.

Approximately one year ago, MilDef contributed to a historic milestone in Sweden's defence modernisation. Through collaboration with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), a rapid and effective delivery of command and control systems to the Swedish Navy was made possible, accredited in accordance with both Swedish security requirements and NATO requirements. The delivery demonstrates how Swedish defence capability is now being accelerated in real time through close collaboration between government agencies, the armed forces and industry.

Collaboration and scalable innovation

In today's security environment, defence capability is built through close partnerships. MilDef works together with partners such as BAE Systems, Saab and the Swedish Armed Forces to translate technology into operational effect.

"Moving from demonstration to real capability is often the greatest challenge. Many initiatives become stuck at the concept stage because integration, production and long-term sustainment are not planned from the outset," says Fredrik Persson.

The key is to think in terms of scalability from the start, building solutions that can be rapidly produced, integrated and further developed. Only when technology works in practice, at greater scale and over time, is genuine defence capability created.

During Almedalen Week (the annual Swedish political and public affairs forum held in Visby, Gotland), MilDef will be discussing precisely this: how Sweden's defence capability can be accelerated through close partnerships and technology that can be rapidly deployed in real-world environments. MilDef will participate on Tuesday at 14:00 at SOFF Soldathemmet, on Wednesday at 15:00 and on Thursday at 10:00 at TechArena.