Project Simoom
Project Simoom is the name of a business case involving Swedish government agency Swedish Defence Research Agency (Totalförsvarets forskningsinstitut or FOI) and Saudi Arabia to create a propellant, explosives factory in Saudi Arabia to remodify anti-tank weapon systems[1][2] Documents and details about the project was revealed to the public on 7 March 2012 by investigative journalists Daniel Öhman and Bo-Göran Bodin at the Swedish public radio broadcaster Sveriges Radio.[3] The project has been heavily criticized for constituting a possible breach of Swedish arms trade laws, and for its secretive nature. The actions of the Swedish Defence Research Agency and the Swedish government in connection with business case Simoom have also received criticism, resulting in the resignation of Defence Minister Sten Tolgfors on 29 March 2012.[4]
References
- ^ "Sweden factor". United Press International. 6 March 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
- ^ "Sweden in secret Saudi arms factory project - report". BBC News. 6 March 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
- ^ "Hemlig vapenfabrik planeras i Saudiarabien". Sveriges Radio (in Swedish). 6 March 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
- ^ "Swedes help Saudi Arabia with a remodification factory of anti-tank system". Hürriyet Daily News. 7 March 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
External links
- SR Swedish public radio - Timeline and documents of Project Simoom (Swedish and English)