´The use of unmanned aerial vehicles has not escaped anyone, not least in the Ukraine war. Sweden has operated UAV systems for almost 30 years, but on a relatively small scale. The technology is used to a greater extent by some armed forces. The purpose of our study has been to examine from a development perspective the conditions for the introduction of UAVs for the protection and surveillance of Swedish air bases. The study has an inductive approach where we obtained data throuhg interviews and litterature studies, which were then analyzed with the help of previous research and governing documents. Different types of UAVs, together with existing methods, can significantly increase the effectiveness of the protection and surveillance of air bases, especially the ability to monitor large areas. In parallel with own UAV capacity, the air bases´ability to act against enemy UAVs must also be developed. There are challenges with today´s materiel procurement process which means that it is perceived as slow to introduce new materielsystems, a further decentralization of the decision-making mandate would in this case bring out more agile materiel procurement. Operating with unmanned systems in the same area as own aircraft requires well-functioning coordination. There are methods for this, but they need to be developed and practiced to a greater extent.

An air force depends on air bases to conduct air operations. Although threats against air bases are extensive, nuanced, and complex, the academic literature on air base ground defence is deficient. Prior research shows that systematic mapping over base defence history is missing and historical factors for success is unknown. In comparison, the literature about air power’s ability to coerce and air power targeting is extensive. A prerequisite to project air power is that the air crafts are not lost on the ground.  The aim of this research is to increase the understanding of air power by develop an initial theory about air base ground defence. By using a hypothesis-deductive methodology, important factors are identified based on prior research. The factors are transformed into hypotheses, operationalized, and tested on two different cases. The analysis verifies, falsifies, or in some cases are not able to state the explanatory value off the hypothesis. The results indicate that depth and early warning are prominent factors for a successful air base ground defence. The theory needs more testing before the explanatory value can be confirmed or falsified for every factor. The role the intelligence service plays in air base ground defence and the study´s delimitations is identified as need for further research to expand and make the initial theory comprehensive.

Stridsflygplan är en exklusiv resurs som är som mest sårbara när de står på marken. Med anledning av det osäkra omvärldsläget kring Östersjön så har Regeringen identifierat att in- vesteringar i flygbassystemet krävs för att öka flygstridskrafternas överlevnad i händelse av krig. Utifrån John A Warden III teorier om framgångsfaktorer för skydd av flygplan på mar- ken så jämför denna flerfallstudie stormaktens syn med småstatens avseende principer för sådant skydd. Studien syftar indirekt till att ge ledtrådar till utveckling av framtida base- ringskoncept. Resultatet i studien visar på likheter i, t.ex. synen på behovet av spridning av flygplan och utmaningen att logistikförsörja detta men också på skillnader i, t.ex. synen på vilseledande åtgärder. / Fighter Aircraft are an exclusive resource that are most vulnerable when standing on the ground. Due to the uncertain geosecurity situation surrounding the Baltic Sea, the government has determined that investment is required in the airbase system to increase the survival of air force assets in the case of war. Based on John A Warden III theories of factors for success for aircraft protection on the ground, this multi-case study compares the superpower view with that of the small state regarding principles for such protection. The study indirectly aims to provide clues for the development of future wartime basing concepts. The result of the study shows similarities, for example in view of the need for dispersal of aircraft and the logistic challenge of supplying this, as well as differences e.g. in views of deception measures such as screening and camouflage.