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American forces will be allowed to operate in Sweden more easily and will be allowed to store defense equipment at Swedish bases.
– It is war deterrence and stabilization, says Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M).
The negotiations on a new military cooperation agreement between the USA and Sweden have been ongoing since January. According to Defense Minister Pål Jonson, things have gone faster than expected and the agreement is expected to be finalized this week.
– I expect that we will reach the goal in the near future, and then be able to sign the agreement in the autumn, Jonson tells TT.
The agreement, the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), aims to make it easier and faster for Sweden to receive American military support.
Existing bases
Jonson assesses that it may enter into force next autumn. Then the US gets access to a number of Swedish military bases and can start storing defense equipment in Sweden.
– It is about existing places where the Armed Forces are already located around the country, says Jonson.
How many bases and which ones the Minister of Defense does not want to answer. But according to DN, Östersund, Luleå, Gothenburg and Gotland have been mentioned in the preliminary discussions.
Jonson does not believe that the agreement risks increasing the threat to Sweden.
– It is important that we have a strong American presence in northern Europe. It is war deterrence and stabilization, says Jonson.
He emphasizes that it also facilitates NATO’s ability to defend the Baltics and Finland.
Weapons system?
The United States and Sweden must jointly agree on what type of defense equipment is to be stored.
TT: Could it be combat vehicles, ammunition and weapon systems, such as Himars?
– It is difficult for me to enter into the agreement before it is ready. But it depends entirely on what kind of military resources the Americans and we see the need to pre-stock.
NATO’s regional defense planning also plays a role, according to Jonson.
Sweden can say no to defense equipment if it is deemed necessary.
– The agreement is based on Swedish sovereignty, Swedish legislation and also consent, says Jonson.
Under US law
The agreement also clarifies that American soldiers must obey American law when they are in Sweden.
TT: Could it be controversial?
– No, we have the opportunity to handle those issues. If a crime of greater strategic or principle importance is committed, we can “take it back” and then Swedish law will apply in that case, says Jonson.
He also says that Sweden does not extradite people who risk the death penalty.
Norway, the Baltic countries, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic already have similar DCA agreements. In Denmark and Finland, just like in Sweden, negotiations are ongoing.