Defense Chiefs Studied Host Nation Support in Northern Sweden

The Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters – 11 August 2025 kl: 12.59

In August, logistics support leaders from the U.S. Department of Defense, along with a representative from the United Kingdom, visited Norway, Sweden, and Finland to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s geography, logistics, and Host Nation Support. Among other places, the delegation visited Kiruna and the mining company LKAB’s Visitor Centre.

The visit
The visit
The visit focused on highlighting Sweden’s regional conditions for Host Nation Support. Photo: Anders Lindberg/Lapplandsjägarbataljonen
DCA
The implementation of the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) between Sweden and the United States was discussed. Photo: Anders Lindberg/Lapplandsjägarbataljonen
mine
A visit to a mine was included. Photo: Anders Lindberg/Lapplandsjägarbataljonen

“We have explained how we fulfill our role as a transit country and logistical hub within NATO in Northern Europe, and how this creates the conditions for rapid reception and support of Allied forces,” says Major General Stefan Sandborg, head of the Swedish Armed Forces Support Unit.

The visit focused on highlighting Sweden’s regional conditions for Host Nation Support, perspectives from both civil and total defense, and cooperation between the Nordic countries. Furthermore, the implementation of the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) between Sweden and the United States was also discussed, as well as the opportunities it offers for the basing of troops, transport infrastructure, sustainment, and prepositioning.

Peter Sandwall, State Secretary at the Swedish Ministry of Defense, summed up: “The visit clearly demonstrates the strategic importance of the High North in today’s security environment. It also represents an important step in developing and deepening U.S.–Swedish military cooperation in a practical and tangibe manner.”

Fact:

The DCA (Defense Cooperation Agreement) is a cooperation agreement between Sweden and the United States that regulates the conditions for U.S. military presence in Sweden. Among other things, the agreement grants the U.S. access to certain Swedish military facilities and allows for prepositioning of equipment.