Sweden wants to contribute a battalion to Latvia

The government wants Sweden to participate with a reduced battalion in NATO’s multinational force in Latvia.

This is what Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson says in his speech at the People and Defense National Conference in Sälen.

The Prime Minister speaks under the heading Sweden’s future as an ally. He points out that Sweden as a member will make an important contribution to NATO’s collective defence.

– Sweden has unique military capabilities – in the air and underwater; with intelligence capacity and winter-seasoned soldiers. We can shoulder a greater responsibility in the Baltic Sea region and within NATO’s command structure, says Kristersson.

Kristersson also points out that the Swedish Armed Forces know the marine conditions in NATO’s new inland sea, the Baltic Sea, – with brackish water, low average depths, varying topography and short distances.

– We are joining the Baltic Sea and the Baltics with the transatlantic link. We get a central role for basing and transporting allied combat forces, so that NATO can operate in our part of Europe, says Kristersson.

– We will contribute to NATO’s defense and deterrence.

A year ago, Kristersson stated in Sälen that Sweden is ready to be part of NATO’s air patrols over the Baltics, to participate in the cooperation for a European air defense and to contribute with ground combat units in the defense of the Baltic states.

– Today I can say that the government’s direction is for Sweden to participate with a reduced battalion to the Canadian-led forces in Latvia, says Kristersson in today’s speech.