2015-06-01 The Armed Forces presented a list of priorities of necessary procurement actions. This list was included in the previous procurement plan, but subsequent decisions on procurement or funding have not yet been taken for all items according to the plan and timetable of June 2014. Several of these measures dealt with upgrades and enhancements of existing defence equipment. As already noted, the operational war fighting capability of the Swedish Armed Forces, during the period 2016-2020, must be prioritized. While some of these measures do not directly increase the operational capacity in the period 2016-2020, it may still be of great importance for the Swedish Armed Forces' overall capability during the 2020s: - lifetime extension of the corvette Gävle Class from the mid-2020s to 2030, - the acquisition of new transportation boats to the Home Guard units, - integration and acquisition of light torpedo on the helicopter 14, - upgrade of the fixed sensor chain, and, - new radio equipment to the Home Guard units. In addition, there is a need for additional procurements and/or upgrades and enhancements in the period from 2021 such as: - training aircraft, - combat vehicles, - transport aircraft, - minesweeping vessels, - fixed telecommunications networks, and - anti-ship missiles. The above-mentioned procurement challenges must be managed in order to ensure the operational capacity in the long-term. There is a need to assess and ensure that there is an overall strategic balance and prioritisation of necessary defence equipment procurements from 2021. Therefore, this defence bill will set up a study, to assess and develop a procurement plan for defence equipment. This study will focus on finding ways to increase the operational war fighting capability by prioritising necessary procurements beyond 2020. The study shall also take into account the current defence procurement plan. The study will be completed by 2018 and thus form a basis for the government and the Defence Commission’s continued work ahead of the defence bill for the period after 2021. Recruitment and retention of soldiers Recruitment and retention of soldiers and personnel, in order to man all units, are vital factors for maintaining Sweden’s defence and security needs. The entire Swedish society has a role to play when it comes to the Total Defence of Sweden. Overall societal support is ultimately of crucial importance for Sweden's defence capabilities. This support is primarily achieved through the involvement and commitment of the Swedish population. The manning of soldiers and indeed all personnel of the Armed Forces plays 12