The global rearmament
The world spends a record amount of money on rearmament and defense. In 2021, the world’s countries spent $2.1 trillion on military expenditures, according to data from the peace research institute SIPRI. A lot because countries like Russia, China and India invested more and more in their militaries, and the United States, which spends incomparably more. Much points to a new record year, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, when many European countries also joined the route.
Arms sales are booming
Konflikt visits an arms fair in Poland where buyers and sellers from large parts of the world meet. The pressure is on and the industry is booming. It also does this in Sweden, which becomes clear when Konflikt visits Saab’s weapons factory in Karlskoga. There, managers testify to a pride now, that Swedish weapons, such as Nlaw, Carl Gustaf and the AT4 anti-tank gun, can help make a difference and help Ukraine defend itself. But not everyone in Karlskoga feels the same pride.
Swedish weapons in Ukraine
In Ukraine, the radio’s correspondent meets a Ukrainian soldier who learned to use the Swedish-made Carl Gustaf weapon on YouTube. He gives a picture of the bloody and brutal reality of the war and how the Swedish weapons are used in battle.
Sweden on its way to NATO – what will happen to arms exports?
Swedish arms exports are historically closely intertwined with Sweden’s neutrality and non-alignment. Now, when Sweden is taking rapid steps towards NATO, Swedish Peace believes that Sweden should have a serious debate about arms exports. It comes with a high price, says the peace organization, whose goal is to end arms exports. But when Konflikt meets Saab’s CEO Micael Johansson, he rather sees opportunities that open up for the company’s business if Sweden joins NATO. Sweden’s new defense minister Pål Jonsson (M) does not have time for an interview with Konflikt.
Cast: “Kuzma”sniper in Ukraine who uses the Carl Gustaf grenade launcher, Mats Fagerbergmarketing manager Saab in Karlskoga, Michael Höglundhead of Ground Combat, Saab in Karlskoga, Jonathan Edlundpriest in Karlskoga, Michael JohanssonCEO Saab, Linda Åkerströmhead of policy at Swedish Peace, William Hartungdefense analyst at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, Nan Tianpeace researcher at SIPRI et al
Reporters: Lubna El-Shanti, Kristian Åström
Technicians: Adam Alvin and Joar Jonsson
Host: Robin Olin
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Producer: Anja Sahlberg
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Source: ICELAND NEWS