Latvia and Sweden to align more closely on defence / Article

“It’s about industrial cooperation. It’s about cooperation in the field of procurement, in very important and effective systems, for example, the “Archer” wheeled artillery system. It’s about cooperation in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles and drones. It’s about cooperation in the protection of critical infrastructure. It’s about air defense. And we are taking the next steps to potentially also ensure the presence of additional air forces in Latvia,” said Sprūds.

The roadmap includes Sweden’s continued presence in the NATO multinational brigade in Latvia, including the rotation of a mechanized battalion and the provision of air defense capabilities, as well as Sweden’s involvement in NATO air patrol missions.

At the same time, closer cooperation is planned in the Baltic Sea, strengthening coastal protection, maritime surveillance and protection of underwater infrastructure, as well as developing maritime unmanned systems.

“Sweden’s military presence in Latvia is a clear demonstration of solidarity among allies and a contribution to NATO’s collective defense,” said Sprūds.

Testing times

Asked what other practical results could be expected as a result of the cooperation between Riga and Stockholm this year, Swedish Defense Minister Pål Henning Jonson drew attention to unmanned aerial vehicles.

“We are very interested in using the testing facilities that are here in Latvia. And I know that you are expanding and investing in providing a good testing ground for unmanned systems. I just announced over the weekend that Sweden is investing another 500 million euros in unmanned systems and drones. So this is an area where we would like to expand. And then, of course, the roadmap has very concrete ideas on how to expand our naval cooperation,” said Jonson.

The two ministers also mentioned Sweden’s renowned Saab JAS 39 Gripen warplanes. Sprūds acknowledged that tangible results could also be expected soon in the field of air defence, as the temporary deployment of Swedish jets in Latvia could take place this year.

According to the Swedish minister, it is still necessary to sign a memorandum of understanding that would open the possibility of rapid deployment of fighter jets in various locations in addition to the existing airspace patrols already carried out by other countries under the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission.

Sprūds emphasized that the joint steps will not only be strategic and important, but will be implemented very quickly and urgently, which clearly demonstrates the understanding of collective defense.

The two ministers also discussed the current situation regarding Greenland. As is known, US President Donald Trump has been insisting that he wants to take over the Danish island, which has angered Europeans. Military forces from several European countries began arriving in Greenland on Thursday to later participate in exercises. Sweden has also sent some instructors there.

When asked what signal the Europeans want to send to the US with this deployment of forces, Jonson replied:

“The message we are sending is that the Arctic is important, that the High North is important and that we as NATO allies are ready to provide greater security in the Arctic. That was the message we were sending. And of course Denmark is closely involved in this process, as are a number of other allies.”