United States–Sweden Military Partnership
For decades, Sweden maintained a policy of neutrality, carefully balancing its defense strategy between Russia and the West. That changed with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, prompting Sweden to seek NATO membership and deepen its military ties with the U.S.. Through bilateral defense agreements and joint air and naval exercises, Sweden is now a key player in Arctic and Baltic security, integrating its advanced military capabilities into NATO’s collective deterrence strategy.
History and Strategic Context
- Cold War and Neutrality (1945–1991): Sweden pursued a non-aligned defense policy but maintained covert cooperation with NATO and U.S. intelligence agencies.
- Post-Cold War Security Cooperation (1990s–2010s): Sweden joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) in 1994 and participated in joint peacekeeping missions in the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Africa. The U.S.-Sweden Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) was first signed in 2016, deepening military collaboration.
- Response to Russian Aggression (2014–2024): Russia’s annexation of Crimea (2014) and full-scale invasion of Ukraine (2022) led Sweden to increase defense spending and seek closer U.S. and NATO ties. In 2022, Sweden applied for NATO membership, formally joining in 2024, further solidifying its security relationship with the U.S.
Key Defense Agreements and Initiatives
- U.S.-Sweden Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) (2016, 2023 Update): Allows U.S. military forces to operate in Sweden, conduct joint training, and preposition equipment. Enhances bilateral intelligence-sharing and Arctic security cooperation.
- Sweden’s NATO Accession (2024): Strengthens U.S.-Sweden military integration within NATO’s defense architecture. Expands Sweden’s participation in NATO-led exercises, missile defense systems, and cyber warfare programs.
- Joint Military Exercises and Training:
- BALTOPS (Baltic Operations): U.S.-Swedish naval drills in the Baltic Sea.
- Arctic Challenge Exercise (ACE): Large-scale air force interoperability training with U.S. and NATO allies.
- Aurora Exercise: Sweden’s largest military exercise, involving U.S. Marines, Air Force, and Special Forces.
- Weapons Procurement and Defense Industry Cooperation: Sweden’s Gripen fighter jets have been integrated into NATO operations with U.S. support. Sweden is part of joint European-U.S. defense projects, including missile defense and cybersecurity programs.
Key U.S. Military Cooperation Areas
- Baltic Sea Security: Strengthens U.S.-Sweden naval coordination to deter Russian activity.
- Arctic and Northern European Defense: Enhances joint air and land operations in the Arctic and Nordic regions.
- Cyber and Hybrid Warfare Collaboration: Works with U.S. Cyber Command to counter Russian cyber threats and disinformation campaigns.
Strategic Significance
- Strengthens NATO’s Northern Flank: Sweden’s NATO accession enhances regional deterrence and force mobility.
- Countering Russian Military Activities: Sweden plays a key role in monitoring and securing Baltic Sea trade routes.
- Arctic and High North Security: Collaboration with the U.S. reinforces NATO’s Arctic defense posture.
- Technological and Defense Industry Cooperation: Sweden’s advanced defense industry (SAAB, BAE Systems Sweden) strengthens U.S.-European defense collaboration.
Links
- U.S.-Sweden Defense Cooperation Agreement (2023)
- Sweden’s NATO Accession and Security Policy
- Arctic Security and U.S.-Sweden Defense Collaboration