– This is a historic decision. We will now for the first time as an ally contribute an armed force to NATO’s collective defence, said Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) at a press conference in Stockholm on Monday.
Sweden will deploy a force of 600 soldiers in Latvia at the beginning of 2025. The force will consist of professional soldiers and officers – not conscripts.
Naval vessels are to contribute to NATO’s standing maritime forces for up to six months next year. It mainly concerns maritime surveillance and mine clearance missions in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
Initially, they will also contribute up to eight fighter aircraft, which will also be able to operate from allied areas.
In the event of a deterioration in the security policy situation, it must be possible to reinforce the forces quickly, the proposal states. In total, it should be possible to contribute up to 1,200 soldiers, six naval vessels and up to 24 fighter aircraft in such a situation.
This means that the government does not need approval from the Riksdag for reinforcements if necessary, as long as it does not exceed this ceiling.
– It is to be able to act quickly and forcefully in the event of a worsening security situation, says Defense Minister Pål Jonson.
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2024-10-08 05:40:20
