Micael Bydén
General, Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces
Sweden
The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine marks a pivotal moment in European security dynamics. As a direct consequence of the Russian invasion, Finland previously this year joined NATO with Sweden expected to soon follow suit. All in all, the strategic importance of the northern region has increased considerably over the past year and a half, clearly underlining the significance of the bilateral defence cooperation between our two countries.
Over the years, our bilateral defence cooperation has played a key role in enhancing our joint capabilities for peace, crisis, and conflict. Both our countries share common military strategic and operational dilemmas to deal with. Together, through our close defence cooperation, Sweden and Finland raise the threshold for an armed attack on one of us, or on both of us, thereby contributing to increased regional stability and security. Future prospects for even closer collaboration are promising.
This cooperation holds political significance, showcasing our commitment to regional security and stability, while also building confidence and trust among neighboring countries and allies, reinforcing NATO's overall defense posture.
Our countries are linked not only by culture and values but also by climate and geography. We engage in daily cooperation and exercises in this geography, regardless of season or weather conditions. By doing so, we build interoperability and common situational awareness, and we get to know each other very well. In a time of crisis, personal networks are invaluable assets.
Both Sweden and Finland are renowned for their defense capabilities, including well-trained personnel, advanced technology, and innovative solutions. Defense cooperation between Finland and Sweden strengthens our individual defense capabilities, extends our operational reach, and cultivates a deeper sense of security in our region. This cooperation has fostered interoperability, enabling seamless coordination and collaboration at all levels of conflict. This is particularly vital in the context of the Baltic Sea region and sub-Arctic operations, where our combined presence and extensive experience enhance deterrence and situational awareness.
Given our current and future security landscape, collaboration with like-minded partners has become increasingly imperative. We view Northern Europe, encompassing the High North, the North Atlantic, and the Baltic Sea Region, as a single strategic entity. This perspective necessitates close cooperation among the Nordic nations and with other regional actors, including the Baltic States, the United States, and the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).
The 360-degree perspective embraced by NATO is highly important to us. We recognize that security threats encompass not only military aspects but also political, economic and social dimensions.
A unified approach to defence, in alignment with NATO’s principles, enhances deterrence and dissuades potential adversaries from aggressive actions. This cooperative approach underscores the collective strength of NATO and the importance of the transatlantic unity in maintaining peace and stability along NATO’s eastern border.
The Swedish-Finnish defense cooperation contributes to NATO by bolstering readiness, situational awareness, deterrence, interoperability, and collaboration in exercises and operations.
Strides are now also being taken towards deeper Nordic operational cooperation. Such measures are complementary to our respective national plans and to allied planning – to the benefit of our collective security. We can make effective common contributions to the alliance, particularly in our area of expertise, and shoulder a particular regional responsibility. A strong Nordic Defence cooperation benefits and complements NATO and other fora, such as EU and JEF.
Finally, as we continue to deepen our cooperation bilaterally as well as in other fora, the strength of our cooperation lies not only in shared values but also in our shared determination to confront the challenges of today and tomorrow.