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tenance of vehicles and weapons. Maintenance beyond the capability of the using unit is performed by units under the control of a regional joint military command, by a central depot, or by a civilian workshop.
The logistic support system is inadequate to support Sweden's proposed mobilization plan. There are some 1,500 supply depots throughout the country, but these are unguarded, susceptible to theft, and uncared for. The irregular terrain and numerous streams are a handicap. Many bridges are unable to support the load required for an armored vehicle. The logistic system is to some extent an extension of the mobilization system. It is a complex and unsophisticated system further complicated by the fact that many officers do not fully comprehend normal logistic procedures.
5. Army aviation (C)
The Swedish Army Flying Corps is controlled by an aviation office of the artillery arm -- in the Troops Inspectorate of the Army Staff. The mission of the corps is to provide support for army combat units; tasks in support of this mission are observation, reconnaissance, liaison, transport, and medical evacuation. The corps comprises two sections; the Artillery Flight Section, which controls the fixed-wing light aircraft, and the Helicopter Section, which controls the helicopters.
The Artillery Flight Section comprises the Artillery Flight School; it has two platoons, each consisting of six light aircraft. The Helicopter Section, which is a training force at the Helicopter School, has a battalion consisting of a number of helicopter and service support platoons; each helicopter platoon has six helicopters.
Personnel who are accepted for service in the Artillery Flight Section possess a civilian pilot's license. The 8-week training program at the Artillery Flight School consists principally of tactical flying and training in artillery observation techniques. Applicants for service in the Helicopter Flight Section are not required to be licensed pilots. The Helicopter School conducts basic and advanced flight courses totaling 23 weeks, special flight training, and courses for unit commanders and technicians. Some of the instructor personnel in both schools have received training in the United States.
The Army Flying Corps has 48 aircraft, of which 14 are fixed-wing light aircraft and 34 are helicopters.
D. Navy
The Royal Swedish Navy is designed, trained, and intended primarily for operations in coastal waters. Its basic missions are defense of the Swedish coast against amphibious assault and protection of coastal shipping. Professional competence of the regular officers and petty officers, especially among those serving aboard submarines and patrol ships, is outstanding. When fully mobilized, the navy, with its relatively large submarine and motor torpedo boat forces, plus the officers' intimate knowledge of the rugged Swedish coast, could inflict moderate initial losses on an enemy. It could not, however, prevent invasion of the homeland by a major force. (S)
Combat effectiveness at any given time depends on the stage of the training cycle; it is lowest in winter and highest in early fall. The navy has made maximum utilization of the rugged coastline and possesses a number of dispersal berths and underground ship shelters, as well as an underground shipyard with bombproof rock shelters at Musko island. Underwater obstructions, including mines, are in place at all times. Naval tactics not only are suited to the geographical conditions but also are ideal for survival in a nuclear attack. (S)
Weaknesses include a shortage of trained personnel, the maintenance of a ready-reserve fleet which would require 2 to 3 weeks to become operational, inadequate training of reserves, lack of wartime experience, a short operating season, substandard anti-air and anti-submarine armament, and the absence of air cover. (S)
Long-range naval construction plans include mine warfare ships, additional motor gunboats, fast patrol boats, and conventional attack submarines. (S)
A contract was placed during 1970 for the construction of 12 new Spica II class fast patrol boats, the first of which was commissioned in late 1972. This program should be completed by 1975. Extensive studies are being made on the feasibility of various missile systems for these units. In addition, a prototype "experimental" gunboat has been delivered from Norway. Additional units may be built for Sweden pending results of 1 year of testing of this ship. (S)
The first of the three planned 2,700-ton submarine tender/minelayers was delivered to the Royal Swedish Navy during April 1971. The second is expected to enter service in 1975. (C)
Construction of three A-14 class submarines is to begin in 1973, with delivery scheduled for 1977-78. Of five units originally planned, two have been deleted because of budgetary restrictions. (C)
Sweden has no marine corps or naval infantry organization. The Royal Swedish Coast Artillery, an integral part of the navy, provides defense of the coastal areas against invasion. Both the navy and the coast artillery have the domestically manufactured
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