Sweden’s defence cooperation with France strengthens Nato and Europe
Sweden contributes to Nato’s collective defence through its regional expertise, strong defence industry and capacity for innovation. During a high-level military meeting between Sweden and France in Paris, the countries highlighted their bilateral defence cooperation and Sweden’s important role in the defence of the Alliance as a whole. The meeting also further strengthened the already close relationship between Sweden and France.
Photo: Etat-Major des armées francaises
Cooperation between Sweden and France is built on long-term trust. Together, our countries have the capabilities required to meet both today’s threats and tomorrow’s challenges. The aim is to strengthen our collective ability to deter Russia and, if the worst should happen, to fight and win.
– Through our bilateral cooperation, we benefit from both our respective and our combined military capabilities, and we look forward to developing this cooperation further, says Chief of Defence Michael Claesson.
Sweden’s geographical location is of major strategic importance to Nato. Swedish units operate daily in some of Europe’s most demanding environments. The Swedish Armed Forces has extensive experience of operating in Arctic and sub-Arctic terrain and thereby contribute capabilities that are important to the defence of the Nordic region and Nato’s northern areas. Sweden also assumes significant responsibility for security across the Baltic Sea region.
– The Swedish Armed Forces have specialised capabilities suited to operations in the Arctic and the High North, as well as the knowledge and experience required to operate in these environments. This is something that is of interest to the French Armed Forces, Michael Claesson emphasises.
Sweden contributes to Nato’s collective defence through, among other things, regional expertise, a strong defence industry and a high degree of innovation. During a high-level military meeting between Sweden and France in Paris, the two countries highlighted their bilateral defence cooperation and Sweden’s important role in the defence of the Alliance as a whole.
At the same time, the already strong relationship between France and Sweden was further deepened.
Cooperation with France makes an important contribution to the Alliance’s deterrence and defence of northern Europe. France contributes, among other things, through the Pégase Grand Nord air exercise, its forthcoming participation in Nato’s Forward Land Forces in Finland, and its naval presence. Sweden has also recently purchased four air-defence frigates from France, with deliveries beginning in 2030.
During the bilateral meeting in France, Sweden’s advanced defence industry and long-standing tradition of innovation were also highlighted. France’s decision to acquire two Swedish GlobalEye airborne early warning and control systems is a concrete example of Sweden’s role within the Alliance and of how Swedish defence technology contributes to strengthening European military capability.
Space was another area discussed during the meeting. Space capabilities are becoming increasingly important in modern warfare, and Sweden and France possess expertise and capabilities that can complement one another.
– France’s increased presence in our region is beneficial to our shared security and to the development of our capabilities, concludes the Chief of Defence.