In the days of the Soviet Union the aviation industry was a part of superpower competition, and this meant that considerable resources were devoted to it. In present-day Russia, however, with declining order books, a kind of survival game is going on in the aircraft industry, although it is clear that there will be some survivors. In Sweden, large domestic orders gave a good basis for the development and production of tailor-made aircraft types on a national basis, but gradually the economic burden has become heavier, so that the cost structure of the JAS 39 Gripen project has aroused a national debate. The importance of air power, and accordingly that of air defence, has aroused many traditional attitudes in leadership circles. A static force takes longer to destroy from the air than a mobile force Rapid exploitation of information is essential Standard hierarchical organization is not conductive to rapid processing and exploitation of information Airpower has become the dominant force in war.
Many observers look askance of airpower because they believe it costs too much.
To the contrary, high tech airpower is extraordinary cheap when the cost is measured against the results. The only measure which makes sense today is the effect one can produce on the opposition. And nothing can match airpower when the accounting is done correctly. 50 Competent politicians and officers have realized the nature of the modern dynamic conflicts, and many air defence modernization programs can be seen to be in process in northern Europe. Modern material and equipment of good quality is essential in the extremely unforgiving arena of aerial warfare, but the most important force multiplier continues to be carefully selected, well motivated and thoroughly trained combat-ready personnel.