The United States and Sweden have agreed to improve cooperation between their special forces.
Officials from both nations affirmed their commitment with a statement of intent signed on Tuesday. While no further details were disclosed, Christopher P. Maier, U.S. assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, shared that the document signifies both governments’ drive to “strengthen our partnership, address regional challenges, counter provocations and work towards our common security.”
In Sweden, the government deploys its special forces in times of crisis, peace and war to protect the citizens’ interests domestically and internationally.
Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson weighed in on the significance of engaging with the United States, emphasizing the importance of collaboration amid growing political tension in Europe.
“The United States is an important partner to Sweden and the special forces are an important resource in addressing developments in our neighborhood. This statement of intent will further strengthen our already-good relations with the United States and enable enhanced cooperation,” he said.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s government has initiated several significant changes in the country’s defense strategy in the past several months. Among its most recent policies is allocating more investments to improve national defense capabilities. In October, it presented to the legislative branch a budget proposal that would see expenditures amount to $16.2 billion for military spending and $3.4 billion for civil defense between 2025 and 2030.