Copyright Breaking Defense
ROME — NATO allies are in danger of losing the “next decisive conflict in Europe” unless there is a major shift in the pace of developing weapon systems, according to Sweden’s most senior air force official. “If we can’t develop in a faster pace, if we cannot innovate and learn under pressure like Ukraine does, we may lose” a future war with Russia, Commander of the Swedish Air Force Jonas Wikman said today during the Defence IQ International Fighter conference. What has been observed in Ukraine is a “masterclass in accelerated adaptation” and a clear sign that the “side that learns fastest wins,” said Wikman. Speaking of the exceptional pace of technological change seen throughout the conflict, he added, “tactics evolve weekly. Almost no weapon … that we once supported Ukraine with, is today used in the same way as it was intended to be used.” Wikman’s comments come amid other high-ranking Nordic leaders calls for industry to urgently provide them with new technologies tested in Ukraine and focus less on equipment programs that have years-long development cycles. Recent Russian drone incursions across Europe have led to NATO boosting its presence on the Eastern Flank. Other drone sightings on the continent have also concerned the European Union so much that the bloc has floated a drone wall initiative, envisioned as a layered air defense system with formidable counter-drone capabilities. To deliver “readiness for future threats,” air forces, industry and academia must develop closer collaboration, said Wikman. “I’m not talking about partnership[s] for peacetime. … I’m talking about a capability for wartime operations,” he added. The Swedish Air Force is integrating such a model as part of the introduction to service of the Saab-produced S 106 GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platform, according to the commander. Sweden has three of the multirole aircraft, which are modified versions of the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet primarily designed for air, land and sea surveillance, on order. Key to GlobalEye operational planning is a “development cell” where industry, academia and research authorities sit within the Swedish Air Force’s GlobalEye unit, said Wikman.
