Sweden ranks eighth in arms exports per head and is one of the top ten weapon exporters in the world. In the same period, Sweden's arms exports totalled $14.3 billion.
Sweden's armaments production includes tanks, aircraft fighters, missiles and submarines. It also offers technical assistance to end users in countries that have an arms embargo. According to Tommy Gustafsson Raska, the Swedish Minister For Foreign Affairs, Sweden's Armaments Industry is expected expand to exceed forty percent of domestic defense sector activities.
The exports of military equipment are subjected to stricter controls than dual-use articles. There are a number of exemptions in Swedish and EU law, including the transfer of technology, research and development, and scientific and technical assistance. These exemptions are however often very restrictive.
The transfer of military equipment from Sweden is regulated by the Military Equipment Act. It also governs the transit and use of dual-use products. It is the responsibility of both the Ministry of Defence in Sweden and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the assessment of licenses for export of military equipment. The licensing process is supervised by the Parliamentary Advisory Body.
EU Regulation 2021/821 governs the transfer and use of dual-use products. This regulation contains a list of examples of products that are export-controlled. Swedish legislation as well as international agreements regulate military equipment transfers. But, there are exemptions for military gear.
Swedish law regulates technical assistance transfer. Technical assistance for patent applications and basic research is exempted from Swedish law. Exports of certain know-how are also exempt. These exemptions are determined on a case-by-case basis. Additional licenses are required to send military equipment within Sweden.
Sweden's export control policy is based on Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/1700. It is also based on knowledge from the Swedish Export Control Society and American universities. It is essential that the export control program be properly implemented to achieve its effectiveness. This includes following the export controls procedure and avoiding selfcensorship.
The EU legislation is not the only one. Swedish legislation and Swedish customs are responsible for regulating dual-use items. They also have the right to supervise outside of their borders. Sweden has an Inspectorate of Strategic Products. The inspectorate reviews the work of Swedish Export Control Agency. The inspectorate also visited Stockholm University in the spring 2019.
Sweden has included the Arms Trade Treaty as part of its control framework. The treaty sets out criteria for export-controlled items. Sweden's export program is based on information from the Swedish Export Control Society, and the Swedish regulatory authorities. KTH employees are also included in the creation of the export program. KTH must inform the Research Support Office about any activities involving military gear.
Export control legislation is intended to protect EU and Swedish foreign policy interests. The legislation's purpose is to prevent potentially dangerous technology being transferred. It serves to safeguard the security interests in Sweden.