Sweden ranks eighth among the top ten arms exporters. Sweden's arms sales totaled $14.3 million during that same period.
Sweden's armaments industry includes the production of tanks and other air-defense systems, fighter aircraft, missiles, and submarines. It also provides technical help to countries subject to 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.
Exports of military equipment face stricter restrictions than those for dual-use items. There are several exemptions from EU and Swedish law, including for the transfer of technology, research, development, and scientific or technical assistance. However, these exemptions are often extremely 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 Swedish Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to determine the required licences for the export of military gear. The Parliamentary Advisory Body supervises the licensing process.
EU regulation 2021/821 regulates the transfer of dual use items. This regulation contains a list of examples of products that are export-controlled. Swedish legislation and international agreements govern military equipment transfer. However, military equipment is exempt from the above regulations.
Swedish law regulates the transfer of technical aid. The exceptions are for technical support in patent applications and basic researching. Exports of certain know-how are also exempt. These are determined individual to case. Additionally, certain licenses must be obtained for the shipment of military equipment within Sweden. Some licences may also be required for items that are not sent.
The Commission Recommendation 2021/1700 is the basis of Sweden's export control policies. It also incorporates knowledge from American universities as well as the Swedish Export Control Society. Effective export control programs must be implemented responsibly to ensure effectiveness. This includes making sure the export control procedure is followed, and avoiding self-censorship.
Swedish legislation and SwedishCustoms are also responsible for regulation of dual-use articles. They have the authority to supervise people outside of their own borders. Sweden has an Inspectorate of Strategic Products. The inspectorate is responsible for investigating the activities of Swedish export control agencies. The inspectorate also visited Stockholm University in the spring 2019.
Sweden has also integrated the Arms Trade Treaty into its control framework. The treaty provides criteria for export-controlled products. Sweden's export controls program is based upon the knowledge of the Swedish Export Control Society (Swedish regulatory authority) and other sources. KTH employees are also included in the creation of the export program. KTH must report any activities involving military equipment to the Export Control Officer at the Research Support Office.
Export control legislation was created to protect the foreign policy interests of Sweden and the EU. The legislation is intended to prevent potential danger from technology being transferred. It serves to safeguard the security interests in Sweden.