Amongst the world's top ten weapons exporters, Sweden has been consistently in the top 10 since 2009, ranking eighth in arms exports per capita. In the same period, Sweden's arms exports totalled $14.3 billion.
The production of tanks, other air-defense systems and fighter aircraft, missiles and submarines is part of Sweden's armaments sector. It also provides technical help to countries subject to an arms embargo. According to Tommy Gustafsson–Raska the Swedish Minister for External Affairs, Sweden’s armaments industry will increase to more than 40% of domestic defense activities.
The export of military equipment is subject to more stringent controls than that of dual-use goods. There are a few exemptions in Swedish or EU law. They include technology transfer, research-and-development, scientific and technical aid, and the transfer and use of technology. However, these exemptions are often very restrictive.
The Military Equipment Act regulates military equipment transfers from Sweden. It also regulates dual-use items. 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, which governs dual-use items transfers, is a key law. 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 technical assistance transfer. There are however exceptions to the rule for technical assistance in patent applications or basic research. Exports of certain knowledge are exempted from this exemption. These are determined case by 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.
Sweden's export controls policy is based in part on Commission Recommendation EU 2021/1700. It is also based on knowledge from the Swedish Export Control Society and American universities. The export control program must always be managed responsibly in order to be effective. This includes making sure the export control procedure is followed, and avoiding self-censorship.
Swedish legislation as well as Swedish Customs have to regulate dual-use goods. They can also supervise beyond their borders. Sweden also has an Inspectorate of Strategic Products. The inspectorate investigates the work of Swedish export control agencies. The inspectorate visited Stockholm University during the spring 2019.
Sweden has also included the Arms Trade Treaty in its control framework. The treaty outlines the criteria for export-controlled goods. The Swedish Export Control Society and the Swedish regulatory authority are the foundations of Sweden's export control program. KTH employees also contribute to the development of the export control program. KTH must notify the Research Support Office of any activities that involve military equipment.
Export control legislation is intended to protect EU and Swedish foreign policy interests. The legislation prevents the transfer potentially dangerous technology. It serves to safeguard the security interests in Sweden.