Government appoints Göran Mårtensson as Sweden’s National Armaments Director

The role of the National Armaments Director has gained a more strategic and security-policy oriented character following Sweden’s accession to NATO and the deteriorated security environment. To ensure coherent Swedish positions and enhance alignment with the Government’s overall defence and security policy direction, the Government has decided to place the NAD at the Ministry of Defence.

— Göran Mårtensson’s solid background in defence and defence materiel, along with his previous experience as National Arms Director, provides a strong basis for strengthening Sweden’s position in this field. Moving the role of National Arms Director to the Government Offices will give us clearer oversight and better coordination on materiel and export issues. This creates improved conditions for international materiel cooperation, which is essential for building up our defence and for Sweden’s integration into NATO, says Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.

The transfer entails separating the role of the NAD from the Director General of FMV. The NAD will be responsible for representing Sweden in NATO´s Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD), the European Defence Agency (EDA) and Nordefco.

Göran Mårtensson will continue as chairman of the EDA Steering Board in the composition of National Armaments Directors (NADs).

In connection with the transfer of the NAD to the Ministry of Defence, a Defence Materiel Council will be established. The council will serve as a forum for information sharing and dialogue on matters relating to defence materiel within the framework of multilateral forums such as CNAD, EDA and Nordefco, as well as other bilateral cooperation. The NAD will chair the Defence Materiel Council which will operate until further notice.