Euractiv interview on need for long-term government commitment to security
ASD President Micael Johansson argued in a recent interview with Euractiv that sustained government investment is crucial for the future of European defence and long-term security.
In a wide-ranging interview with Aurélie Pugnet of Euractiv, the ASD President and CEO of Saab, Micael Johansson outlined the critical need for sustained, long-term government commitments to bolster Europe's defence industrial capacity. He stressed that the current surge in orders must translate into a lasting partnership between governments and industry to ensure the continent's long-term security and readiness.
A central theme of the interview was the necessity for a new way of thinking about defence investment. As NATO called for a 400% increase in air and missile defence capabilities, and the European Commission urges member states to "re-arm" by 2030, Micael Johansson affirmed the industry's readiness to meet these challenges, saying, "We can ramp up production more." However, he emphasised that this ramp-up must be underpinned by coherent planning. This approach calls for moving beyond viewing defence procurement as a series of individual contracts and instead treats industrial readiness as a continuous, strategic imperative for national and European security.
The issues raised by Micael Johansson are directly relevant to the safety and security of all European citizens. A strong, responsive, and technologically advanced defence industry is fundamental to a credible European defence. Long-term investment ensures that Europe can protect its citizens, defend its values, and act decisively in a crisis.
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