According to the new defense cooperation agreement DCA, the American military will now have access to 17 locations, including Marinbasen Berga in the Stockholm archipelago, Luleå air wing, and the reestablished Gotlandsregementet.
The agreement grants the USA the right to station military personnel, conduct exercises, and make stopovers for refueling and other purposes with both aircraft and ships.
”This doesn’t necessarily mean that all 17 locations will be used, but it’s work we’ve done in close dialogue, based on where it’s most important from a military perspective for them to be able to pre-position defense materiel,” said Pål Jonson to SVT Nyheter.
Must adhere to Sweden’s limitations
Several other Nordic countries have similar agreements with the USA. Like them, Sweden gives the USA the right to store weapons and ammunition at the various bases. The USA will have ”exclusive control” over the materiel, but must inform Sweden in advance of the exact type of materiel being brought in.
Could there be talk of nuclear weapons on Swedish territory?
”No, the Swedish position is well known. We see no need or reason to have nuclear weapons on our territory, and the USA has also said that they respect that,” said the Minister of Defence.
”Better to have Sweden as an ally”
”The agreement creates better conditions for the USA to support Sweden in the event of a crisis or war, and it will also be good for the stability of the entire northern Europe when it comes into force,” said Jonson.
For the USA, the agreement is about gaining access to important strategic locations near the Baltic States and in the Arctic region.
”The only thing better than having Sweden as a friend is to have Sweden as an ally,” said US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, before signing.
