UK and Sweden Bolt New Defence Deal Amid Growing NATO Ties
The UK and Sweden have inked a letter of intent to deliver 14 cutting-edge Archer self-propelled guns to the British Army. The deal was sealed during a high-level meeting at the UK Ministry of Defence between Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and his Swedish counterpart, Pål Jonson.
Stronger Together: Supporting Sweden’s NATO Bid
Ben Wallace vowed to back Sweden’s speedy entry into NATO, emphasising the UK’s commitment to bolstering European security amid rising tensions with Russia. “Sweden has provided vital military aid and integral support to our allies through the Joint Expeditionary Force,” said Wallace. “We will continue to support Sweden’s accession to NATO, strengthening Northern Europe and the Baltics against Russian aggression.”
Sweden Praises UK’s Leadership and Swift Support
“Swedish relations with the UK will be strengthened with today’s artillery cooperation agreement,” said Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson. “The British leadership in supporting Ukraine is an inspiration. Both Sweden and the UK will stand by Ukraine until victory is achieved.”
Jonson also thanked the UK for rapid ratification of Sweden’s NATO application and for its strong military presence in the region, crucial for security during Sweden’s transition period.
Joint Military Muscle and Aid for Ukraine
- The UK-Sweden defence partnership is driven by shared membership in the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and Northern Group.
- They recently signed the 2022 Mutual Solidarity Agreement, enhancing intelligence sharing, joint training, and operations.
- Collaborations include RAF Typhoons training with the Swedish Air Force and Royal Navy visits to Swedish ports, with HMS Defender, HMS Portland, and HMS Mersey all docking recently.
- Upcoming Exercise Aurora will see British troops training alongside Swedish and Finnish forces as part of a Finnish Battlegroup in Sweden.
- Swedish firm Saab plays a vital role in supporting Ukraine by supplying NLAW anti-tank weapons and Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifles replenished under a £5 million UK contract.
- The UK hopes Archer guns will free up AS90 self-propelled guns for donation to Ukraine, bridging the gap until the new Mobile Fires Platform arrives later this decade.
With £2.3 billion poured into military support for Ukraine in 2022, Britain commits to keep the momentum going in 2023, supplying artillery, air defence, and armoured vehicles to back Ukraine and secure a lasting peace.
