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Next-generation defence tech: how Sweden's defence capability is being accelerated in real time

Sweden's rearmament requires not only technology investments, but the right technology that can be rapidly integrated and scaled up in an operational environment. MilDef emphasises that innovation must be part of the industrialisation and operational delivery from the outset, and collaborates with actors such as Saab and BAE Systems to transform digital expertise into tangible defence capability.

Next-generation defence tech: how Sweden's defence capability is being accelerated in real time

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.

FAQ

Vad är MilDefs roll i att stärka Sveriges försvarsförmåga?
MilDef beskriver sin roll som en aktör som knyter samman teknik, system och genomförande. Bolaget fokuserar på robusta IT-lösningar och ett helhetsperspektiv för att säkerställa att tekniksatsningar omsätts i konkret försvarsförmåga. Nyckeln är att ny teknik snabbt kan integreras, skalas upp och användas i operativ miljö. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-05-21.
Varför fastnar många försvarstekniska initiativ i konceptstadiet enligt MilDef?
Enligt MilDefs CTO Fredrik Persson fastnar många initiativ i konceptstadiet eftersom integration, produktion och långsiktig drift inte planeras från början. Utmaningen är att gå från demo till verklig förmåga, vilket kräver skalbart tänkande redan från start. Tekniken måste fungera i praktiken, i större skala och över tid, för att skapa verklig försvarsförmåga. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-05-21.
Vilka aktörer samarbetar MilDef med för att omsätta teknik till operativ effekt?
MilDef samarbetar med aktörer som BAE Systems, Saab och Försvarsmakten för att omsätta teknik till operativ effekt. Dessa samarbeten beskrivs som avgörande i dagens säkerhetsläge för att bygga försvarsförmåga. Artikeln betonar att nära partnerskap är en förutsättning för att innovation ska kunna implementeras och drivas över tid. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-05-21.
När och var medverkar MilDef under Almedalsveckan?
MilDef medverkar under Almedalsveckan på tre tillfällen: tisdagen kl. 14.00 i SOFF Soldathemmet, onsdagen kl. 15.00 samt torsdagen kl. 10.00 i TechArena. Temat är hur Sveriges försvarsförmåga kan accelereras genom täta samarbeten och teknik som snabbt kan omsättas i verkliga miljöer. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-05-21.
Hur beskriver MilDefs CTO förutsättningarna för verklig förmågeökning inom försvaret?
Fredrik Persson, CTO på MilDef Group, betonar att ny teknik snabbt måste kunna integreras, skalas upp och användas i operativ miljö för att skapa verklig förmågeökning. Han understryker att innovation inte kan vara ett sidospår utan måste vara en del av verksamheten från start. Det handlar om rätt teknik, integrerad i befintliga system och implementerad på rätt sätt. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-05-21.