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[PEMM]

Swedish Social Democrats would increase the number of conscripts to 20 000 per year and ask for help from Finland for training.

There is a slight issue with the idea that Finnish officers would be training Swedish units. Namely, that there is no extra personnel. Rather there were manpower cuts to hired personnel in the 2010's. Which also causes issues in training larger amounts of Finnish reservists annually. Maybe they could bring Swedes to be trained in Finnish units, but you can't really just expect trainers to handle more and more troops... Swedish speaking Finnish officers also are a small number.

The Swedish government has decided to increase the number of conscripts from 8,000 to 12,000 by 2032. However, the goal has been postponed by two years because the Swedish Armed Forces consider it unrealistic.

The opposition party, the Social Democrats, would increase the number of conscripts even more than decided, reports the newspaper Dagens Nyheter. It proposes training 20,000 conscripts annually.

The Social Democrats propose transferring the academic part of officer training so that officers can train new conscripts more quickly. The party has also turned its attention to Finland.

– Swedish-speaking officers from Finland could help us train our troops. I believe that it is also in Finland's interest that Sweden can train more conscripts in the short term, former Minister of Defense, Social Democrats' defense policy representative Peter Hultqvist says in Dagens Nyheter.

The party also proposes increasing the number of refresher exercises and brigades.

Ruotsin sosiaalidemokraatit lisäisivät varusmiesten määrää ja pyytäisivät apua Suomesta

Sosiaalidemokraattien Peter Hultqvist ehdottaa, että suomenruotsalaiset upseerit voisivat kouluttaa ruotsalaisia varusmiehiä.

yle.fi

 

[PEMM]

Europe is seriously lacking behind Russia in production of missiles. Missile expert from University of Oslo calls this a near criminal neglect by European leaders.

Over the past weeks, I have written extensively about European missile production, focusing in particular on the shortcomings of European missile industrial output. In my view, this is one of the primary areas of rearmament — if not the main area — where European decisionmakers have failed to take the necessary steps.

Ukrainian intelligence estimates that Russia is producing roughly 1,200 land-attack cruise missiles per year, 400 short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, 6,000 Shahed long-range drones, and plans to add an additional 10,000 decoy drones annually to help saturate Ukrainian (and European) air and missile defenses.

Competing with Russia in the missile domain therefore requires deep missile arsenals. The fact that Europe’s combined land-attack cruise missile production barely reaches 100 units per year, while ballistic missile production stands at zero, amounts — in my view — to a case of near-criminal neglect.

Russia is Preparing for the Next Missile War — Are We?

Some final words on Europe's missile conundrum

missilematters.substack.com

 

[skaw]

Europe still like turning from left to right after the alarm went off for the first time.

 

[LimaCharles]

I saw this posted and thought enough to share. First off, it's not to troll. In fact it's to help spread awareness. And second, remember I am just the messenger repeating the original poster's messages. If it bothers that much to argue with me well that is on you and is a you thing and never was a me thing. The real person you are wanting to debate with is Martyn Lies:

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Having lived in the USA for nearly two years, I've realised something.
The USA and the remainder of the Western world are no longer aligned.
We all laugh and mock when the Americans say, "Freedom!" because we truly think we're as free as they are.
Wrong. We're not. Not even close. The laws, the mindset, and the behaviour, is totally different in this regard.
Most of all, the governments are totally different. The USA's convictions around core freedoms are on a scale we do not share.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump wins the popular vote, the electoral college, the House, and the Senate... a man who, in every other Western country, is held in open derision, if not contempt.
For these and other reasons, we are not the same.
Yet the West, including Australia, fully expect to rely on the USA for our very survival.
If the world turns bad (which will happen - only a question of time), then the whole West, without America, is toast.
So, you may ask - if we're not very aligned ideologically, then it must be that we bring something to the party militarily?
Well, no... actually... we don't matter that much militarily.
The USA has about 470 ships in its navy, including 11 aircraft carriers, 69 submarines, 75 destroyers... plus 110 new ships in the pipeline.
Australia has about 30, including 3 destroyers, 7 frigates and 7 outdated submarines. The UK does a little better, with about 60.
Meanwhile, the US has over 14,000 military aircraft. A staggering number.
Australia has 252 military aircraft. The UK has 556.
The US army has just shy of 1,000,000 uniformed personnel in its military. Australia has about 45,000.
The USA spends 3.4% ($968 billion) of its GDP on defence. Australia spends 2% ($36.4 billion). The US spends as much as the next 15 largest military-spending countries (including China) combined.
The USA has a fighting culture. The men shoot things (a lot) and hunt things, the veterans get favoured in everything from parking spots to boarding planes. A uniformed young man is thanked in the street a dozen times a day.
"Oh, the Americans and their guns!" we say, in our smug way. Yes, they have a warrior culture. We do not. We don't have to, because we're a leech on theirs.
How many young British men are willing to fight for their country? Now ask the same regarding young American men. The difference is about as wide as it could be.
Militarily, we don't offer squat.
Meanwhile, look at the way Australia works against America's interests by loving on China. China made us rich and we stay close. This is a Marxist regime with expansionist aims.
Again, you have to spend time in the USA to realise just how vast a gulf there is between us on China.
Europe, too. They let China have their way everywhere from Germany to Greenland, all the while importing Islam and sending their own people to court for saying hurty words.
Somehow, we have landed the deal of a lifetime with the USA that says, "when the baddies come, you'll save us ok?" Because we can't save ourselves.
And we live in peace. But we keep gnawing away at freedoms, keep enabling China, and get flabby and disinterested about our military because Uncle Sam's got it.
And, let's be honest, Americans are widely looked down on. To add insult to injury, we don't think that highly of our protectors.
So, the USA is finally saying "enough." I am here, I can tell you what the vibe is, and that's it. Trump is doing what people want in this regard. They're over it.
And we come across all shocked and hard done by. We behave like people with no self-insight at all.
Yes, the global alliance system is all over the place now. From America's perspective, it's about time.
And I must say, though I be a proud Australian, I am forced to agree. Something has to change.

Bottom line even though this is an Aussie's POV, the message remains the same. I don't wake up everyday looking down on the world but I must admit with every person on here and from other social media platforms that has from their own country's residence, you are why we in turn look down back upon you and your nation, You are the very monsters you self created and slighting with your wrongly perceived as the main villain with the USA isn't winning you any favors. Jealousy is a crazy thing. However with all that being said I do hope y'all will grow up and maturely come to full cognizance and realize that being foolish is not helping: I say build bridges, not burn them and to pull your own fair share of the burdens. I remember advising some of you of these same things to which is was scoffed at. In professional circles it's called the Dunning Kruger Effect. In other circles it's a personality disorder but that's going a bit far. I am not putting you guys down. In fact, I along with others are all trying to help you realize all of this. It's called constructive criticism and it's a very useful leader and mentor's tool. If you are serious, then LISTEN and lose the hate, the ego, and the vanity.

And to quote the Mandalorian, I have spoken. This is the way.

11K​

 

[madmax17]

Europe is seriously lacking behind Russia in production of missiles. Missile expert from University of Oslo calls this a near criminal neglect by European leaders.

Russia sure likes to build missiles. While their people live in S**t.

 

[PEMM]

saw this posted and thought enough to share. First off, it's not to troll.

I have thought for a long time that the US gets basic freedoms better, and that is simply due to constitution. I can of course only speak for the Finnish variant but while the US concentrates on basic freedoms, we have all sorts of exceptions and in addition these "positive freedoms", such as "right for social security". Which leads to the fact that left can always increase it without problems, while right needs to call constitutional experts when decreasing it.

You had the fortune that your constitution was written when there was actual (classical) liberalism while ours was written by contemporary "liberals", and people who supported soviets ideals during cold war.

Worst thing we can do in the current rift is to cozy up with China. Because when they are n.1 they definitely won't be following any other principle than might.

 

[LimaCharles]

For those still serious about standing up for yourselves, a good way to AAR yourselves is to study up on why it took you all so long to intervene in your own backdoor with Yugoslavia and why it took US logistics and might to help get you there. Many of the reasons is why you are where you still are right now.

 

[Mike1976]

A round up of French industry:

• Dassault has increased production of the Rafale from one per month in 2020 to nearly four;
• Thales has seen an increase in sales due partially to Naval Group selling more ships, especially corvettes, submarines and underwater drones because of threats to underwater infrastructure.
• Eurenco has substantialy expanded it's facilities in Bergerac resulting in the first gunpowder manufactured in France in years, last month;
• MBDA has increased production of Mistral missiles from 10 per month to 40;
• Hundreds of smaller manufacturers and parts suppliers are expanding and hiring more workers.

 

[thelistener]

For those still serious about standing up for yourselves, a good way to AAR yourselves is to study up on why it took you all so long to intervene in your own backdoor with Yugoslavia and why it took US logistics and might to help get you there. Many of the reasons is why you are where you still are right now.

Is it a good example of why europe relied on US logistics though? What i've read on the cold war NATO org. NATO countries agree on different focuses, it made close to zero sense in a cold war setting for germany to have and spend money on expeditionary capability. And Yugoslavia intervention was done by cold war legacy militaries.

 

[Mike1976]

While this is a simple weapon procurement/production the more relevant thing here is the framework used to offer it to other countries similar to the Leopard.

European Agreement to Produce Modernized DM22 Anti-Tank Mines in response to Armored Threat from the East

European Agreement to Produce Modernized DM22 Anti-Tank Mines in response to Armored Threat from the East

armyrecognition.com

 

[LimaCharles]

Is it a good example of why europe relied on US logistics though? What i've read on the cold war NATO org. NATO countries agree on different focuses, it made close to zero sense in a cold war setting for germany to have and spend money on expeditionary capability. And Yugoslavia intervention was done by cold war legacy militaries.

It is a best example. The cold war ended. And excuses to wait so long in your back door was and is, inexcusable.

 

[Chazman]

I saw this posted and thought enough to share. First off, it's not to troll. In fact it's to help spread awareness. And second, remember I am just the messenger repeating the original poster's messages. If it bothers that much to argue with me well that is on you and is a you thing and never was a me thing. The real person you are wanting to debate with is Martyn Lies:

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Bottom line even though this is an Aussie's POV, the message remains the same. I don't wake up everyday looking down on the world but I must admit with every person on here and from other social media platforms that has from their own country's residence, you are why we in turn look down back upon you and your nation, You are the very monsters you self created and slighting with your wrongly perceived as the main villain with the USA isn't winning you any favors. Jealousy is a crazy thing. However with all that being said I do hope y'all will grow up and maturely come to full cognizance and realize that being foolish is not helping: I say build bridges, not burn them and to pull your own fair share of the burdens. I remember advising some of you of these same things to which is was scoffed at. In professional circles it's called the Dunning Kruger Effect. In other circles it's a personality disorder but that's going a bit far. I am not putting you guys down. In fact, I along with others are all trying to help you realize all of this. It's called constructive criticism and it's a very useful leader and mentor's tool. If you are serious, then LISTEN and lose the hate, the ego, and the vanity.

And to quote the Mandalorian, I have spoken. This is the way.

11K​

I find it remarkable sometimes, when having discussions here or with my European relatives, how anti-Freedom some of the thought process is. I've had cousins tell me, the problem with America is too much Freedom. Too much??? WTF!

I mean don't you want to be Free? Don't you want to say what what you believe? In America, this is a GOD GIVEN RIGHT. It cannot be infringed. It is something people will happily die to defend - and have. It's some serious stuff. The Europeans are the frogs in the in the pot slowly boiling. If someone gets arrested for words, it's explained away as "that's the law". Well fvck the law. Change the law if you are people of free will. Or not, it's up to you.

 

[LimaCharles]

I find it remarkable sometimes, when having discussions here or with my European relatives, how anti-Freedom some of the thought process is. I've had cousins tell me, the problem with America is too much Freedom. Too much??? WTF!

I mean don't you want to be Free? Don't you want to say what what you believe? In America, this is a GOD GIVEN RIGHT. It cannot be infringed. It is something people will happily die to defend - and have. It's some serious stuff. The Europeans are the frogs in the in the pot slowly boiling. If someone gets arrested for words, it's explained away as "that's the law". Well fvck the law. Change the law if you are people of free will. Or not, it's up to you.

I never wake up each day wanting to tell another country's residents on how to live or what they are doing wrong. First, boundaries and to even try is indefensible in any intellectual setting. But those who do wake up on the other side wanting to lecture and push boundaries, are often the ones with the actual issues. Denial is a hell of a thing, it's also part of the grieving process.

 

[madmax17]

I find it remarkable sometimes, when having discussions here or with my European relatives, how anti-Freedom some of the thought process is. I've had cousins tell me, the problem with America is too much Freedom. Too much??? WTF!

I mean don't you want to be Free? Don't you want to say what what you believe? In America, this is a GOD GIVEN RIGHT. It cannot be infringed. It is something people will happily die to defend - and have. It's some serious stuff. The Europeans are the frogs in the in the pot slowly boiling. If someone gets arrested for words, it's explained away as "that's the law". Well fvck the law. Change the law if you are people of free will. Or not, it's up to you.

Cannot be infringed lol you voted for Trump that is eroding your freedom.

https://freedomhouse.org/country/scores

Top10 is all Eu and Canada. Usa is 84/100 but will go down. 'Freedom' has become like a propaganda word in the Usa.

Usa is also 55-ith on the Press freedom index, Trump suing every outlet he disagrees with.

 

[PEMM]

The Europeans are the frogs in the in the pot slowly boiling. If someone gets arrested for words, it's explained away as "that's the law".

When we want to improve freedom of speech, for me the hill to die on is not supporting a neo nazi calling for death of some ethnic group. Most people agree that in such cases it's ok to limit that freedom.

It is those instances, and there are such cases, when people are brought to the court by less severe infringement of the same laws. Such as by simply posting pictures of terror attacks and asking "what is the common denominator?" or posting video from Rinkeby and asking "do you want your city to look like this?". You don't get anything (and if you do the punishment can be some 30€ fine), but possibility for investigation and court case is already a problem.

 

[Chazman]

When we want to improve freedom of speech, for me the hill to die on is not supporting a neo nazi calling for death of some ethnic group. Most people agree that in such cases it's ok to limit that freedom.

It is those instances, and there are such cases, when people are brought to the court by less severe infringement of the same laws. Such as by simply posting pictures of terror attacks and asking "what is the common denominator?" or posting video from Rinkeby and asking "do you want your city to look like this?". You don't get anything (and if you do the punishment can be some 30€ fine), but possibility for investigation and court case is already a problem.

And here is where we diverge.

It's easy to declare Freedom of Speech if you agree with someone. But to truly defend Freedom of Speech you must defend people you abhor to say things you disagree with. That is the whole point. Otherwise, there is no Freedom of Speech.

 

[PEMM]

And here is where we diverge.

It's easy to declare Freedom of Speech if you agree with someone. But to truly defend Freedom of Speech you must defend people you abhor to say things you disagree with. That is the whole point. Otherwise, there is no Freedom of Speech.

People I disagree with have ended up in these trials.

 

[thelistener]

I find it remarkable sometimes, when having discussions here or with my European relatives, how anti-Freedom some of the thought process is. I've had cousins tell me, the problem with America is too much Freedom. Too much??? WTF!

I mean don't you want to be Free? Don't you want to say what what you believe? In America, this is a GOD GIVEN RIGHT. It cannot be infringed. It is something people will happily die to defend - and have. It's some serious stuff. The Europeans are the frogs in the in the pot slowly boiling. If someone gets arrested for words, it's explained away as "that's the law". Well fvck the law. Change the law if you are people of free will. Or not, it's up to you.

I know you are bombarded by messages, but my two cents. To you both @LimaCharles


You might be smarter than me but 2 years ago i didn't know my country and my neighbour Sweden had different laws on freedom of speech regarding religion (there you can burn a holy book freely, here you would get a fine) I like the Swedish model better, but for this discussion, do i talk about my nation's example that you will regard as "Europe" or the most lax one?

Czechs have the most lax gun laws in Europe. But aren't the highest in terms of willingness to serve in the military, lower than the UK. Do we take that into account or no?

Common thing in Europe is ban on hate speech. and in some countries denial of holocaust/crimes against humanity (not in my country btw)
And more recently, the laws to prohibit speech advocating or justifying terrorism.

Youre talking about Europe as a whole, when even the EU consists of 27 nations. With different laws each. How could this ever be fruitful discussion, you talk in generalities and members here mostly talk about their individual countries.

 

[Ivan le Fou]

I find it remarkable sometimes, when having discussions here or with my European relatives, how anti-Freedom some of the thought process is. I've had cousins tell me, the problem with America is too much Freedom. Too much??? WTF!

I mean don't you want to be Free? Don't you want to say what what you believe? In America, this is a GOD GIVEN RIGHT. It cannot be infringed. It is something people will happily die to defend - and have. It's some serious stuff. The Europeans are the frogs in the in the pot slowly boiling. If someone gets arrested for words, it's explained away as "that's the law". Well fvck the law. Change the law if you are people of free will. Or not, it's up to you.

I wouldn't say the thought process is anti-Freedom per say.

Rather that our European understanding, comprehension and experience, of Freedom isn't the same as the American one. It is a very cultural an fundamentally Historical thing.

We could posit that Freedom, in Europe, is what is granted to us by laws and rules established by the ruler in place. They set a frame within which we are indeed and/or to some extent free to do what we want; and they can change depending on the mood of the ruler: see the forms of government from day 1 to, let's say, the 20th century. Our rights are what we are allowed to have.
The US however is a very different concept and approach entirely, with "Freedom" being the very setting stone of the "American Project" established by the Founding Fathers. All of the philosophical, social, political aspects of the US are, for the better and the worst, along with a certain amount of wiggle room at times, originating from, or orbiting, around that "Freedom" thing. They come from it (wether they actually do or claim to).

Yes, one could say "what"s the difference then? It's just a matter of laws, some countries have stricter laws than others". Well... yes, but also no. The big difference being laws are set within the frame allowed by the Constitution. And the Constitution is the document establishing the rights of the people in order to establish the laws, and not the other way around.

Europe does not have that approach, which makes it more abstract than it actually is. Because, let's be honest, "Freedom" from a US perspective is a difficult element to define clearly and you might very well get 10 different definitions if ask 10 people about it. But though abstract and hard to firmly grasp, it is still there and it exists in the collective mind.

 

[digrar]

Keep it on topic gentlemen and try and keep it civil.