Sweden’s recent admittance into NATO is a significant development in European defense alliances. Previously, Sweden had faced obstacles in joining NATO, with Turkey blocking their accession due to claims that Sweden was harboring militants from the banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). However, an agreement has now been reached, and Sweden’s admission follows Finland’s entry into NATO earlier this year.
The motivation behind these Nordic countries seeking NATO membership lies in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has prompted increased defense spending among NATO members. In fact, most Allies have committed to investing more in defense since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Currently, 11 out of the 30 NATO members meet or exceed the 2% of GDP defense spending benchmark. These countries include the US, the UK, Poland, Greece, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Romania, Hungary, Latvia, and Slovakia. While some may argue that the smaller Eastern Bloc nations have an easier time meeting the 2% GDP target, countries like Denmark are tripling their defense budget over the next decade to reach the goal by 2030.
Denmark’s increased defense spending will amount to 6.9 billion kroner in 2024 and is expected to reach 19.2 billion kroner in 2033. This growth will be financed, in part, by the abolition of a public holiday that has already passed, despite protests from the Danish public.
Similar upward trends in defense spending can be seen in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries. These countries have also implemented the permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit, which offers incentives for companies developing new or improved products, processes, and software.
The integration of 3D printing technology can play a significant role in boosting R&D Tax Credits for companies involved in defense manufacturing. Wages for technical employees involved in creating, testing, and revising 3D printed prototypes can be included as eligible activities for the tax credit. Furthermore, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software and the costs of filaments consumed during the development process can also be recovered.
We have previously discussed the potential applications of 3D printing in defense machinery and equipment, including the use of the technology to enhance Ukraine’s armaments or the General Dynamics’ Ukraine Arms Deal. From air to sea, advancements in defense technology can be achieved with the help of 3D printers.
With Sweden’s inclusion in NATO, we anticipate further increases in defense spending. Whether it is to meet alliance budget goals or enhance national defense capabilities, the 3D printing industry should view this as an opportunity to contribute to the improvement of defense technology.
In conclusion, Sweden’s entry into NATO is a significant development for European defense alliances. The war in Ukraine has prompted increased defense spending among NATO members, and the integration of 3D printing technology can play a crucial role in advancing defense capabilities.
“Why did the 3D printer go to therapy? Because it had too many layers of unresolved issues!”
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