Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M) states that Lloyd Austin’s visit to Sweden is a significant act of commitment to Sweden’s security, as well as endorsing Sweden’s NATO application. The visit marks the first visit from an American defense minister in over 20 years. Lloyd Austin plans to visit the Muskö naval base and view military equipment such as submarines, corvettes, and air forces. Discussions will be held regarding bilateral defense cooperation, security assurances, extensive military exercise cooperation, and support to Ukraine.
After the visit to Sweden, Lloyd Austin heads to Germany for a meeting with countries that provide military equipment to Ukraine. The negotiations regarding the agreement on enhanced defense cooperation between Sweden and the United States will be discussed during the visit, aiming for the agreement to be established in 2024. The agreement is considered to provide faster and more efficient American support in the event of crisis or war by investing in infrastructure and advance storage of materiel. The visit will also include a joint press conference held at the Muskö naval base.
– It is a long visit and an expression of the USA’s deep commitment to Sweden’s security, but also of the USA’s support for the Swedish NATO application, says Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M).
He points out that it has been over 20 years since an American defense minister was last here.
Lloyd Austin spends most of Wednesday at the Muskö naval base. There, among other things, he will be shown submarines, corvettes and air forces.
Talks are also expected there about the bilateral defense cooperation, about security assurances that Sweden has received from the USA, about the extensive military exercise cooperation and about the support to Ukraine.
After the visit to Sweden Lloyd Austin heads to Germany for a meeting with the countries that support Ukraine with military equipment.
The ongoing negotiations between Sweden and the United States regarding an agreement on enhanced defense cooperation (Defence Cooperation Agreement, DCA) will also be discussed during the visit to Sweden. Pål Jonson estimates that the agreement can be in place in 2024. Norway already has one and Denmark and Finland are negotiating one.
The agreement should enable faster and more efficient American support in the event of crisis and war, for example through advance storage of materiel and investments in infrastructure.
A joint press conference will be held at the Muskö base during the visit.