He mentions Ukrainian interests who wish to train instructors who will in turn be active in Ukraine, training drone pilots on location.
“This is the kind of thing we monitor, and are prepared for. If we receive such a mission from an official source, such as the Ministry of Defence or the Ministry of Education and Research then we can certainly mobilise to carry it out.”
Assists the armed forces training
The Swedish Armed Forces have their own drone pilot training, but the School of Aviation has assisted in training drone pilots for the armed forces for many years. This is not something new because of the war in Ukraine.
“Although now we are doing it at a more advanced, slightly higher level. This is against a backdrop of the Swedish Armed Forces aiming to secure larger and more competent arms systems in the future, which also necessitates having more expert pilots,” says Johan Bergström.
Possible consequences
Over time, Sweden’s NATO membership may bring consequences for the University’s operations in Ljungbyhed. One scenario would be if NATO and the Swedish Armed Forces wish to place parts or the entirety of NATO’s pilot training for transport aircraft in the tiny town.
“If that were to happen, it would mean greatly expanded operations for us, because we would take on a significantly larger role and become involved in training pilots from several countries for NATO’s transport aircraft, in a similar way to what we do today for the Swedish Air Force. That is not something we have had any indications of, however, these are processes we anticipate as part of NATO membership,” continues Johan Bergström.
Footnote: The School of Aviation in Ljungbyhed is the only state civilian aviation school in Sweden. There is also a state combat flying school that operates under the Swedish Armed Forces
