Opinion: Assign the Home Guard the Task of Defending Sweden with Drones

Sweden's defense capabilities require a significant overhaul, particularly in light of evolving warfare strategies, according to Carl-Göran Westlin, a former major and home guard battalion commander. In an opinion piece published in Dagens Nyheter, Westlin argues that the current structure, with "three half-finished brigades," is inadequate for defending a country as vast as Sweden.

Westlin points to the developments in Ukraine, noting the increasing reliance on drones for both intelligence gathering and precision strikes. He contrasts this with Sweden's proposed procurement of frigates and attack drones, suggesting that such platforms are vulnerable to modern precision attacks. Instead, he advocates for a proactive approach, enabling Sweden to act rather than merely react to threats.

The core of Westlin's proposal is to leverage the existing strength of the Home Guard, which comprises approximately half of Sweden's wartime personnel and is distributed nationwide. He suggests equipping the Home Guard with drone technology for intelligence and combat missions. This would allow the Home Guard to engage effectively even before a full mobilization is declared, operating under a lower threat scenario.

Westlin highlights the Home Guard's established infrastructure, including maintenance, transport, command structures, and communication systems, as well as their intimate knowledge of local terrain. He believes that by assigning them the role of the Swedish Armed Forces' drone corps, starting with planning this year and gradually building capabilities by 2027, Sweden can enhance its defense posture cost-effectively. This strategic shift, he argues, would significantly bolster Sweden's ability to defend itself in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.