Sweden became a member of NATO in March 2024, and in July 2025 U.S. Air Force General Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed the role of NATO’s highest military commander for Allied forces in Europe. Over the weekend, General Grynkewich set foot on Swedish soil for the first time in his capacity as Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).
“The fact that NATO’s highest military commander chooses to visit Sweden so early in his new role is a clear indication of how important our role is. The visit strengthens our shared situational awareness and deepens cooperation with our allies,” says Supreme Commander Michael Claesson.
“At a time of rapidly changing security conditions, it is crucial to meet, build relationships, and engage in in-depth discussions face to face. Personal meetings create mutual understanding and strengthen our ability to plan and act together within NATO,” Claesson adds.
The delegation’s visit largely focused on Sweden’s unique defense capabilities and strength as a NATO member, based on our geographic position and the current security environment. It is clear that SACEUR recognizes how Sweden contributes concretely to the Alliance’s collective security through its operational capabilities.
“Allies and potential adversaries alike should take note of Sweden’s development of capabilities and capacity to meet current and future threats, both for national defense planning and for NATO’s defense plans,” says General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Commander of NATO forces in Europe, adding:
“This development strengthens Sweden, the region—including the Arctic—and our transatlantic alliance.”
Discussions naturally centered on the security situation in the Baltic Sea region and the Arctic, as well as developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine. The visit provided opportunities for in-depth discussions between SACEUR and the Swedish Armed Forces’ senior leadership, along with concrete demonstrations of operational capability through visits and briefings at the Naval Staff at Muskö and the Amphibious Regiment at Berga.
The importance of a strong total defense system to maintain national resilience and military capability and capacity was also highlighted. Mikael Frisell, Director General of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, presented an overview of how Sweden’s total defense is structured.
“The entire Swedish society is oriented toward total defense. This is absolutely the right approach, and other countries can learn a great deal from Sweden,” emphasizes General Grynkewich.
“A credible military defense requires a strong total defense. Sweden’s model, in which the whole of society contributes to resilience and endurance, is a crucial part of our defense capability—nationally and as a NATO member,” says Supreme Commander Michael Claesson.
General Grynkewich also highlighted Sweden’s defense industry and its importance to national and Allied security and resilience.
“It is worth noting Sweden’s high-technology defence industrial base, which produces advanced systems in the space, submarine, missile, and armoured vehicle domains. This significantly strengthens Europe’s and NATO’s capacity and power, driven by increased defence spending,” says General Grynkewich.
The visit concluded with a well-received demonstration of amphibious combat at Berga, further reinforcing the image of Sweden’s unique defence capabilities.
“The visit confirms that Sweden is already contributing concretely to NATO’s collective defence at an early stage. Our geography, our operational capability, and our focus on total defence make us a relevant and reliable ally in a deteriorating security environment,” says Supreme Commander Michael Claesson.