David Appelberg is the Innovation Leader at the Marine Technology Center of Sweden. In FSN Perspektiv, he writes about a time when defence needs are changing rapidly, requiring a new perspective on technology development and collaboration between actors.

Karlskrona (southern Sweden) has historically been a central location for Sweden's naval defence, but what does the future hold for the city's role in defence innovation? In a time when defence needs are changing rapidly, a new perspective on technology development and collaboration between actors is required.

When I was asked to contribute to Defence Sector News, the discussion revolved around Naval Warfare, Karlskrona, and its significance. It is then inevitable not to wade through historical tropes and be guided by tradition. Naval Warfare means war, especially at sea. Period. Karlskrona is a tradition-laden place that carries 344 years of naval history. Period. But the picture needs to be complemented. I see a place in transformation, a place characterized by entrepreneurship and sharp eyes for future opportunities, individuals who understand that things need to be done differently. A marine innovation hub.

Sweden is facing a new era of defence challenges, especially in light of the changed security situation. To ensure our, and our allies', security and sovereignty, Sweden must strive for the most ambitious and visionary goals in defence innovation. We must think in terms of putting a submarine on the moon. And we must do it in six weeks. The moon and the time perspective may seem like an absurd idea, but it captures exactly the type of radical innovation and vision required to meet future threats.

The Changed Security Situation in the Baltic Sea

Sweden has a long history of naval innovation, most recently from the development of the advanced Visby-class corvettes to the internationally acclaimed Gotland-class submarines. I still remember how exciting it was as a young teenager to see HMS Smyge cruising between the skerries. These advancements have positioned Sweden as a leading actor in naval innovation. But it is not enough to rely on past successes. The changed security situation in the Baltic Sea, and the lessons we can learn from Ukraine, require that Sweden accelerates its innovations and creates new solutions that can meet the challenges posed by today's and tomorrow's conflicts. We need to take a significant leap forward in the curve. The needs, knowledge, and empirical data are out there in our naval units, with our allies, and in Ukraine.

Applied and Pragmatic

When it comes to Sweden's capability related to defence innovation, we must think applied and pragmatic. As a country, we are already skilled in long and large technology development projects where we develop a completely unique capability, see the A26. What we need to improve is the medium and very short perspective. How do we stand in a conflict situation where the technology cycle is 6 weeks, and only consists of existing commercial components? How do we ensure that the Navy has access to the latest technology development from civilian companies? Here we must create places in Sweden that have the resources and mandate to bridge this need. Nodes where the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) can sit together with academia and industry to solve current and future challenges from units and staff.

Naval Warfare – Innovation in Naval Warfare

In Karlskrona, we want to add innovation to the tradition-laden word naval warfare. We are building an experimental site where authorities, industry, and academia go hand in hand. Because we understand that time and competence are critical factors. In such a reality, one must act decisively and forcefully. It also requires thinking like entrepreneurs and utilizing the private sector's innovative power and academia's applied research. We strongly believe in involving the entire society to build a strong defence.

Of course, we will never put a submarine on the moon, the idea is absurd. But a moonshot mindset will lead to innovations and breakthroughs that we cannot even imagine today. By daring greatly and acting decisively, Sweden can create a naval force that is not only ready for today's challenges but can also meet the challenges that the future will bring for Sweden and its allies.

David Appelberg Innovation Leader, Marine Technology Center of Sweden