The letter of intent means that Sweden and Finland adapt their joint defense planning so that deficiencies do not arise in the Finnish defense capability when Finland relinquishes defense equipment to Ukraine.
“In this way, we cover the capability impact that the Finnish supplies have on their own defense capability,” says Minister of Defense Pål Jonson (M).
Finland does not publish the type of defense equipment that will now be sent to Ukraine. Jonson also does not want to describe in more detail how Sweden promises to cover the shortcomings in Finland’s defense that may arise, but it may be about both “material and ability”.
TT: Does the agreement involve risks for Sweden?
— No, I don’t think so. We are safer now than before we got invitee status (by NATO). We can handle this in the light of the security policy situation, says Jonson.
— So our own defense capability is not affected, but we will, within the framework of our joint defense planning, take a little more responsibility.
Sweden and Finland have joint defense planning since 2018.
The letter of intent is signed by the two countries’ defense ministers at an international meeting for Ukraine in Ramstein, Germany today.
“We have been discussing, negotiating and working on this agreement and its operational implications for a few months,” says Jonson.
— The war in Ukraine is at a critical stage and it is important that all countries in the West increase military support for Ukraine.