Logo: to the web site of the Swedish Defence University

As neighboring countries, Norway and Sweden are often thought to be very similar. However, the countries' military industries have developed in very different directions. Norway has had a long-term military dependence on the US, and a defense-industrial strategy to avoid direct competition with allied industries. Sweden, on the other hand, has transitioned from being almost military independent to preferring the US as a strategic partner, while the Swedish defense industry still produces equipment that often competes directly with US systems.

Previous research has shown a strong relationship between national security strategies on the one hand, and political decisions related to defense acquisition and the alignment of the military-industrial complex on the other. The purpose is to identify differences between Norway's and Sweden's strategic culture that has affected the military industry, intending to improve future collaboration. The problem is solved by a comparative analysis of the two presented case studies of Norway's and Sweden’s respective industrial defense complexes, which suggest that history and cultural roots significantly impact strategic choices. The thesis concludes that strategic culture can explain some observed national differences in the presented cases. Using strategic culture as an analytical tool may thus prove useful when studying national military-industrial complexes and identifying factors that influence strategic choices.

Increased knowledge of the origins and nature of differences in military-industrial strategy provides better preconditions for international collaboration in the area. As a result, this thesis will hopefully contribute to improved future collaboration between countries such as Norway and Sweden, when engaged in combined defense acquisition projects.