The annual security conference People and Defense is currently underway. During the conference, great focus is placed on Sweden’s deteriorating security situation, with the war in Ukraine and an increased terrorist threat.
On Monday, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) will give a speech on the topic “Sweden’s future as an ally”.
– 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.
The prime minister 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 small 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.
Battalion to Latvia
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 now is for Sweden to participate with a reduced battalion to the Canadian-led forces in Latvia. That’s where we benefit, says Kristersson-
– Sweden also joins NATO with everything else we have. With a strong economy, our highly advanced defense industry and our Swedish values. Becoming part of the defense alliance of the free world is thus completely new, but still very much a homecoming.