Between Dependence and Independence: JAS 39 Gripen and Sweden´s Neutrality Policy 1982-1995

This bachelor’s thesis examines the Swedish parliamentary debate on the JAS 39 Gripen project, motivated by the observation that previous research has primarily focused on economic and technical aspects rather than on how the project related to the credibility of Sweden’s neutrality policy. During the final stages of the Cold War, Sweden´s ambition to remain non-aligned was challenged by the increasing need for advanced military technology, which necessitated international cooperation and created dependencies on foreign states, particularly the United States and NATO members. Using a theoretical framework based on realism and liberalism, the study aims to shed light on how Swedish politicians perceived the project’s impact on Sweden’s neutrality policy between 1982 and 1995. The analysis is based on a qualitative textual analysis combining content and argumentation analysis of parliamentary documents. The results show that there were two competing perspectives. From a realistic perspective, the project was presented as a threat to neutrality, since technological dependence on foreign states could limit Sweden´s military freedom of action and political sovereignty in times of crisis. From a liberal perspective, JAS was seen as a necessary guarantee of national independence by securing military capability, and international cooperation was seen as a manageable necessity that did not undermine non-alignment, provided political and operational control remained in Swedish hands. The study thus highlights a risk paradox where the same factors, international interdependence and technological collaboration, were simultaneously interpreted as both a vulnerability and a prerequisite for maintaining a modern defence capacity. In addition to its technical functions, the JAS project acquired symbolic significance representing national competence, sovereignty and political determination in a changing international context.