Swedish Armed Forces cut JAS 39 Gripen in 07 budget request

Swedish Armed Forces Command, Yesterday, 25 April, the Armed Forces submitted their budget proposals for 2007 to the Government. The proposals assume implementation of a series of measures recommended by the Government Defence Management Inquiry, which began late last year. These measures cover the whole defence sector and aim to transfer savings in administrative costs to operational activities. 
 
It is proposed that the Armed Forces ability to make units and resources available for international and national crisis management increases in both quantity and quality during the period up to 2009. 
 
The Armed Forces' plans include continued commitment in the Balkans and Afghanistan. From 2008 the Armed Forces will have the capability to contribute to two major and three minor crisis management operations simultaneously. Units in the Navy and the Air Force should be given a greater role in international operations. 
 
The Government's increased requirement for the ability to take part in international operations and a rapid reaction capability will lead to changes in manpower planning, including terms and conditions of service and recruitment. The Armed Forces' manpower planning aims will be presented to the Government at a later date. 
 
After completion of basic training, forms of service in the Armed Forces will be developed further and will include new contracts for personnel on standby for possible international duty. 
 
Steps will be taken in order to eventually reduce the fighter fleet to 100 JAS Gripen, Versions C and D, suitable for international operations. This number of aircraft is well suited to the Armed Forces' operational requirements. 
 
The Armed Forces plans also propose a new operational capability through the procurement of aircraft for strategic air movement. This is an important requirement to meet the increased demand not only for volume and distance, but also for the possible evacuation of personnel or humanitarian aid efforts. 
 
Work to produce a balanced research and development plan continues with defence agencies and authorities and in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence. It is estimated that the consequences of this work will mean that this whole area of expertise will be phased out in order to maintain sufficient levels in other prioritised areas.