Increased collaboration between civil and military actors is needed to strengthen Sweden’s total defence — that was the theme of the event “Tested for Future”, organized by Element Materials Technology and Innovative Materials Arena (IMA). More than one hundred participants from industry, the defence sector, and defence authorities gathered at Element Materials Technology’s office in Linköping.
The event, held at the facilities of materials- and measurement technology company Element Materials Technology in Linköping, focused on how civil and military actors can jointly enhance Sweden’s total defence and capacity for innovation in a time of serious security challenges.
The day began with Brigadier General Lars Helmrich of the Swedish Air Force, who also serves as an advisor at the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). He described the current security situation as the most challenging since World War II and emphasized the importance of Sweden and Europe developing both their defence capabilities and industrial preparedness — in the short and long term.
FMV has already increased our annual order volumes by 350 percent since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. But we need to continue improving our cooperation with the industry, said Lars Helmrich.
He also shared lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, such as the need for innovation, civil-military technology transfer, and — above all — sustained endurance within both the military and civilian industrial sectors. This is crucial, as there is a high risk that any potential war could become prolonged. Helmrich also highlighted FMV’s initiatives involving mobile micro-factories that use additive manufacturing (so-called 3D printing) to produce spare parts for deployed units.
From Saab, Chief Test Pilot Jacob Högberg spoke about the extremely complex process of developing new fighter aircraft.
On the topic of civil defence, the event featured a live video presentation from Viktoriia Pereverzieva, Head of Communications at the largest combined heat and power plant in the city of Mykolaiv in Ukraine. She shared testimonies about the company’s struggle to protect its staff and maintain the city’s energy supply despite extensive Russian attacks.
Our power plant has been attacked several times over the past year with drones and cruise missiles. But thanks to our skilled employees and international support, we have managed to restore the energy supply every time, said Viktoriia Pereverzieva.
Following the presentations, a panel discussion took place with participants including Lars Helmrich from FMV, Håkan Carlberg, Crisis and Preparedness Strategist at Tekniska Verken in Linköping, and Björn Kullman, Division Director, Element Sweden. The panel was moderated by Viktor Runius, Defence Director Nordics at Element. The discussion centered on how the business sector can contribute to strengthening Sweden’s total defence. The panel particularly emphasized the importance of mental and organizational preparedness among companies and their employees, the need for businesses to take responsibility and initiative rather than waiting for detailed instructions from authorities, and the necessity of building redundancy, repair capabilities, and cybersecurity.
In the current global situation, what matters most is that we deliver solutions quickly. Not that everything is perfect, said Lars Helmrich.
Participants were also given a guided tour of Element’s 7,000-square-metre laboratory, where the company showcased its advanced materials- and measurement technology capabilities. Element also presented its new mobile calibration laboratory — a special-purpose truck that allows customers to have their measuring instruments calibrated directly on-site.
In addition to being a practical solution for customers, our mobile lab actually contributes to Sweden’s defence capability, on the subject of endurance and redundancy, said Björn Kullman, Division Director, Element Sweden.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Ella Andersson, Marketing Manager Metrology & Calibration, Element Metech
ella.andersson@element.com
Tel. +46 (0)72 391 6298
About Element Materials Technology Group:
Element Materials Technology Group is one of the world’s leading providers of testing, inspection, and certification services for a wide range of products, materials, and technologies in advanced industrial supply chains where safety and reliability are critical.
Headquartered in London, the Group employs around 9,000 scientists, engineers, and technologists across more than 270 laboratories worldwide. These experts support customers throughout early R&D, complex regulatory approvals, and production.
Element’s Swedish operations consist of Element Metech AB (metrology and calibration) and Element Materials Technology AB (materials testing and inspection). Element Sweden’s headquarters and largest laboratory are located in Linköping.
