Abstract of Jan Wickbom's article in RSAWSPJ no 1 2001.
The operational considerations presented by Major General Björn Hedskog in his inaugural lecture can be adapted to an American (NATO) strategy for war in Central Europe. For the flank in the Nordic countries another - Swedish - strategy is needed. Such a strategy has been non-existent for thirty years.
Prior to the defence reductions thirty years ago Sweden had, theoretically, four strategic alternatives to choose between; two offensive and two defensive, the latter two aimed to be potentially peace-keeping, warding and costly for the aggressor. An explicit choice between those four alternatives was never made. Changes in The Armed Forces were determined by political and economic motifs etc, rather than strategic ones.
After thirty years of defence reductions without strategic direction Sweden now finds herself having the same offensive strategy as NATO. For Sweden this is an incautious and unsuitable model. Operational considerations and a continued restructuring of the Armed Forces should therefore start by preparing a new strategy.