Sweden builds up defences - 40% increase in spend

[pr00ne]

So, there you have it, not a single extra penny for defence in the Chancellors Spring statement. Germany increases defence spending to 2% of GDP and, in addition, commits to spend a capital sum of 100 billion Euro's, Sweden increases defence spending by 40%, Finland announces an increase, France announces an increase. And what do the Tories do?

They continue to disband squadrons, close stations, retire entire fleets, gap capabilities and reduce manpower.

The Conservatives, strong on defence and security?

HAH!!!!!!

[Beamr]

Originally Posted by Asturias56

One point about Norway - it's damn big country - and people forget that it's a very long way from north to south.

they also forget that Kirkenes is further east than Alexandria and the west coast is further west than Amsterdam

And even longer if you try to drive through. Eg Narvik - Tromssa, distance 140km. By road 240km. Takes almost four hours in the summer driving by fjords and mountains. In the winter you may have to overnight somewehere if unlucky.

[Asturias56]

Yes old sign outside Kirkenes Airport - (left arrow) Kirkenes 5 km - (right arrow) Oslo 2360 kms

[M609]

And there is not THAT many axis through Finland and Sweden a Russian advance can take to reach Tromsø and Narvik. I served in the border guards in the 90s, and we had the war role as regimental recon. Outside of the roads, Finnmark (The region east of Tromsø to the border) is one of two things:

1. Mountains
2. Peat bog.



I did a bit of map study on the topic

[Beamr]

The Swedish prime minister has accelerated the deadline for their report of Swedens external security situation. The earlier date of 31st May has been pulled to 13th May. This is the pre-requisite for Swedish politicians NATO discussion prior to sending a joining request.
Apparently one reason to hurry up is the fact that Finland has already finalized its own report and it is already in discussions in the Finnish parliament and Sweden don't want to be left alone due to their own slowness.
Also, recent polls state that 57% of Swedes are now pro NATO. Tomorrow the social democratic party is going to have a "marathon meeting" to discuss the NATO topic.

Seems that Swedes really wish to be on time to leave the application prior to NATO summit in June.

sourece: https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a...er-maratonmote

[Sue Vêtements]

Originally Posted by vikingivesterled

Sweden did let german troops pass through the country on occasions and never stopped shipping iron ore to Germany. But it also was a place of refuge and not all interment for norwegians, some of whom could travel onwards to England.

and AFAIK they also sold all their ball bearings to Britain


One story I read about the Norwegian resistance was of a Norwegian agent was sent back to Norway with an attaché case full of money for the resistance fighters. He was on a train with a shifty looking character sitting opposite him when the train stopped and German soldiers got on board only to started checking papers. He knew the game would be up if they came to his compartment and searched his luggage, but didn't know what to do because the man sitting opposite him might be a collaborator. Finally as the train passed over a bridge he knew he had no choice, so stood up, opened the window and threw the case out where it sailed down to the river far below him. he then sat back down again looking directly at the other man who then stood up, took his own briefcase off the luggage rack and threw that out of the window as well!

[Beamr]

Swedish newspaper Expressen reports that Sweden would be sending the application to join NATO on coming monday.

https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/pla...kan-pa-mandag/

[ORAC]

https://www.defensenews.com/2022/07/...ato-ascension/

Swedish Air Force crafting new fighter strategy amid Russian aggression, NATO ascension

[Less Hair]

It's great to see new high class members wanting to join NATO. This is exactly the strategic shift that will teach Russia a lesson or two.