War & Peace No. 2/2025 – Summary
The magazine War & Peace continues to grow and has now also taken over as a newsletter for former members of The Pen & the SwordThe aim is to keep Swedish military history alive through articles about history, defense and security policy.
One of the main topics of the issue is Swedish Air Force, where the development from the Cold War to today's Gripen E is described. Sweden went from having one of the world's largest air forces to investing in technological superiority with the Gripen system. The article also highlights Sweden's strategy to spread out its bases and adapt the aircraft for short runways.
Further examined Russia's military buildup, especially the fleet's expansion in the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the Arctic. The Ukraine war has shown both strengths and weaknesses in the Russian navy's ability to deal with new threats, such as drone attacks.
In a historical article it is discussed Sweden's contribution in North Africa in 1802, where Sweden participated in a military operation against pirates together with the USA. The article provides a picture of how the naval powers tried to deal with the threat that North African pirates posed to trade.
Another important article is about The role of special forces in modern warfare. Swedish and international special forces have become increasingly important in hybrid warfare and operations where conventional armies are not optimal. The article describes, among other things, the Special Operations Group (SOG) and their role in today's security situation.
Furthermore, the myth of The Schlieffen Plan, the German strategy from World War I, which many historians now believe was less well thought out than post-war historiography has claimed.
Finally, the dramatic story is told of Osowiec 1915, where Russian soldiers, despite being hit by chlorine gas, carried out a counterattack and shocked the German forces.
The issue concludes with a deep dive into Sweden's historical army, its size during the great power era, and how the division system made one of Europe's strongest military forces possible.
1. Swedish air power during the Cold War
Sweden's air force and air defense developed rapidly during the Cold War. From being dependent on foreign engines and electronics, Sweden built a world-leading defense industry. Fighter aircraft such as the Draken and Viggen were technologically advanced, and bases were spread out to reduce vulnerability. Sweden had 1950/XNUMX incident preparedness and was ready to meet threats from the East. The Swedish air force was described in the XNUMXs as the world's fourth largest and played a key role in national defense.
2. Swedish-American attack in North Africa in 1802
Sweden participated in a military operation against pirates in Libya in 1802, together with the United States. North African pirates were hijacking merchant ships and selling crews as slaves. Sweden tried to resolve the problem diplomatically, but when that failed, a naval squadron was sent. Despite tough negotiations, Sweden was forced to pay an annual tribute to secure its shipping lanes. The operation was part of a larger conflict in which the United States was also fighting the same pirates.
3. The myth of the Schlieffen Plan
It is widely believed that Germany's strategy in 1914 was a detailed and well-prepared plan to quickly defeat France. But historian Terence Zuber disputes this. His research shows that there were several flaws in the plan, such as Germany never having enough troops. The Schlieffen Plan was instead an afterthought, partly to blame the defeat on faulty tactics. The debate continues, but there is much evidence that Germany was more uncertain about the war than many had thought.
4. The Dead Men's Attack – Osowiec 1915
A unique battle was fought at the Osowiec fortress in Poland during World War I. German forces used chlorine gas to knock out Russian defenders, but surviving soldiers counterattacked despite severe injuries. They were described as “the living dead,” covered in blood and gas burns. The Germans were shocked and retreated. The battle has become a myth of indomitable fighting spirit and is one of the most dramatic episodes in the history of war.
5. When Sweden's army was the largest
During the Great Power Period (1611–1721), Sweden's army was one of the most powerful in Europe. Charles XI introduced the indelta system, where soldiers were given land to farm in peacetime and were ready for war if necessary. This system made Sweden self-sufficient in soldiers and was an important factor in the country's military successes. The army was particularly known for its discipline and the use of tactics such as the Carolingian shock, where infantry went into direct attack instead of relying on musket fire. During the time of Charles XII, Sweden was able to mobilize over 100 men – an enormous force for a country with only a few million inhabitants. However, constant wars and heavy losses led to the collapse of the system after the Battle of Poltava in 000. The Swedish army remained strong but was never as large again.
8. Gripen E – the Swedish fighter jet of the future
The Saab Gripen E is Sweden's most modern combat aircraft and a further development of previous Gripen models. The aircraft is adapted to meet modern threats, with advanced sensors, stealth technology and improved armament. The Gripen E can operate from short runways and road bases, which makes it difficult to strike in the event of a conflict. The aircraft is also developed with an open system architecture, which means that it can be easily upgraded with new technology. In terms of exports, Gripen has had mixed success – Brazil has purchased a number of aircraft, while Finland and Switzerland have chosen other options. Sweden sees Gripen E as an important part of its defense capability and continues to invest in the aircraft's development.
9. The return of the Russian fleet
After the fall of the Soviet Union, the capacity of the Russian Navy was drastically reduced, with many ships lying unused in port. However, during the 2000s, Russia has invested heavily in modernizing its fleet. New submarines and surface ships have been built, with a focus on long-range missiles and increased operational range. The Russian Navy is currently particularly active in the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the Arctic, where it challenges Western interests. The war in Ukraine has shown that the Navy plays a crucial role in Russia's military strategy, with long-range missile attacks from the Black Sea. At the same time, Ukrainian drones and naval missiles have managed to damage several Russian ships, which indicates new threats to traditional naval forces. Russia is now investing in more asymmetric warfare at sea.
10. The role of special forces in modern warfare
Special forces such as the Swedish SOG (Special Operations Group) and the American Navy SEALs have become increasingly important in modern conflicts. These units carry out covert operations, sabotage and intelligence operations behind enemy lines. A major advantage of special forces is their mobility and ability to strike strategic targets with minimal effort. They have played a crucial role in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, where they fought terrorists and trained local forces. In today's security situation, special forces are also used for hybrid warfare, where they can act without being officially tied to a nation. Sweden has increased its investment in special forces, especially after the changed security situation in Europe.