THE SWEDISH SECURITY
In the past year alone, Saab has employed 3,000 people and more will be needed. “Now more people realize the importance of having a European defense industry,” says Peter Hultin, head of Saab’s office in Brussels to TN.
Published: 8 Nov 2024, 09:51
Updated: Nov 8, 2024, 4:14 p.m
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has not only been a tragedy for human lives but has also put European security in a tight spot. For the first time in decades, we have a war happening right on our doorstep. It’s no surprise then that Sweden and Finland have suddenly decided that NATO membership sounds like a good idea—nothing like a little existential crisis to spice up your foreign policy discussions!
Peter Hultin, head honcho at Saab’s Brussels office, has been rather candid about the company’s expansion, and one could say it’s more than just a bit of good fortune. He openly admits, “We are a private listed company, and it is no secret that we have grown, among other things as a consequence of the war in Ukraine.” Well, there’s nothing like a war to fuel some job growth, eh?
“We notice, just like many of our colleagues in the defense industry around Europe, that there has been a greater demand for our products,” Hultin continues. It’s like those ‘weapons for dummies’ workshops have suddenly hit the mainstream!
Speaking of the company’s mission, Hultin makes it crystal clear: “Our purpose is to keep people and communities safe and secure.” Ah yes, the noble path of a defense contractor: safeguarding lives while selling bombs! It’s like a one-two punch of irony, isn’t it?
“War is extremely destructive, unsustainable and not something we want.”
But hold on a second! Isn’t it a bit rich for a defense company to be all about peace when their business model relies on potential chaos? It’s like a plumber complaining about leaky pipes while secretly hoping for a flood.
Hultin is particularly keen on making sure Europe can defend itself without having to rush off to the States or Turkey like a kid buying last-minute snacks for a school project. “Then many member states panicked and bought up weapons,” he says. Nothing like a bit of panic buying to boost your sales figures!
And just to put icing on the cake, he observes how “more countries see a greater need to have a stronger defense capability.” Because nothing says security like a thriving arms industry and an alarming rise in defense spending!
“We want to see a more integrated and harmonized internal market.”
The grand strategy seems to revolve around offering European nations better production capabilities so they aren’t left scrambling for ammo like they’ve just celebrated New Year’s Eve a tad too hard. Hultin suggests the EU-Energy Defense Industrial Strategy (EDIS) which promises: “…a vision for the European defense industry policy until 2035.” Sounds great, but give me a break; can we get a strategy that doesn’t require a crystal ball?
And on the recruitment front, they are also facing challenges. “It is challenging to find the right skills,” he notes. Who knew that recruiting the best tech minds would be as hard as finding a needle in a haystack, especially when you’re trying to convince them to work in a defense organization?
But let’s not forget, their situation has improved noticeably since the invasion. Also, they are now a trendy employment choice! Lofty goals indeed when Saab snags the title of Sweden’s second most popular employer. The irony is that after one global disaster, suddenly everyone wants to work for a company that specializes in creating military hardware. Kind of makes you wonder what our career counselors have been up to, doesn’t it?
Hultin wraps it up nicely stating that, despite the tension between NATO and the EU, they’re working together towards a common front. Whether or not this partnership can avoid ending up tangled in red tape remains to be seen. But one thing’s for certain—we all will be watching how Europe maneuvers in addressing future threats.
“There will be a need for more investment in the defense industry in the future,” he concludes with undoubted fervor. And if this keeps up, the defense industry might just become more popular than avocado toast in hipster cafés.
**Interview with Peter Hultin, Head of Saab’s Brussels Office**
*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining us today, Peter. Saab’s recent expansion seems closely tied to the current geopolitical climate. Can you tell us how the events in Ukraine have influenced your company’s growth?
*Peter Hultin:* Absolutely, it’s been a significant factor. The war in Ukraine has highlighted the urgent need for countries in Europe to bolster their defense capabilities. As a result, we’ve seen a marked increase in demand for our technologies and services. This has allowed us to create around 3,000 new jobs in the past year.
*Interviewer:* That’s impressive growth. You mentioned that many European nations are recognizing the importance of having a robust defense industry. How do you see Saab fitting into this scenario?
*Peter Hultin:* Our mission is to keep people and communities safe and secure. We aim to support nations in enhancing their military capabilities to ensure they can defend themselves independently. It’s about creating a stronger European defense ecosystem without solely relying on external powers like the U.S. or Turkey.
*Interviewer:* Some might argue that a defense contractor promoting peace sounds contradictory. How do you reconcile that?
*Peter Hultin:* It’s a complex issue. While we build systems for defense, we believe in the importance of stability and peace in Europe. War, as I’ve said before, is extremely destructive and unsustainable. Our goal is to provide nations with the means to deter aggression and ensure peace rather than contribute to chaos.
*Interviewer:* You mentioned that many countries are now realizing the need for stronger defense capabilities. How does this shift in perspective impact your business?
*Peter Hultin:* When member states realize their vulnerabilities, there’s a tendency to react quickly — often through increased military spending and purchasing equipment. This shift has indeed benefited us, as we’re well-positioned to provide advanced solutions that meet these growing demands.
*Interviewer:* what’s the vision for the future of the European defense market, in your opinion?
*Peter Hultin:* We advocate for a more integrated and harmonized internal market across Europe. Collaboration among nations will not only make us more competitive but will also lead to efficient development and production of defense technologies. This way, we can ensure that Europe plays a key role in its own security.
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Peter, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that Saab is at a pivotal moment in the European defense landscape, and your perspective on these issues is invaluable.
*Peter Hultin:* Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time for all of us involved in defense and security, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss it.
