"The problem is not a lack of money to buy spare parts, but the manufacturer does not get spare parts to a sufficient extent," Lars Jansson, head of communications at the Swedish Defense Forces helicopter fleet, tells TT.

The fleet is responsible for the defense helicopter operations in Linköping, Luleå and Ronneby. In Luleå, nine of the new helicopters have been stationed, but only half of the planned flight has been completed this year.

"Worldwide"

To the extent spare parts were available, the Swedish Armed Forces prioritized the squadron in Ronneby. It has a variant of helicopter 14 for maritime operations, including the submarine hunting capability that is about to be built up.

In Ronneby, which also has nine stationed helicopters 14, it has been possible in principle to carry out all scheduled flight hours, when, for example, such as unsuitable weather has been calculated, says Jansson.

Between ten and 15 countries around the world have purchased the model that in Sweden is called helicopter 14. And the Swedish spare parts problems are not unique, according to Jansson.

Shipped to Ronneby

The lack of technologies also plays a part in the Armed Forces. But according to Jansson, the shortage is general and does not only apply to helicopter 14.

To get enough flight hours, the helicopter crews in Luleå now get more hours in simulator, fly more with other helicopter models and they are also sent to Ronneby to fly helicopter 14 sharply.

- We can send more staff around, says Jansson.

Helicopter 14 was commissioned by the European group NHI in the late 1990s. But deliveries were delayed for almost ten years and operating costs have proven to be very high.

The Armed Forces have received their 18 copies of helicopter 14, but only in two years are all estimated to have been modified in accordance with the requirements specifications.