Security cooperation
In 1996, Sweden contributed a battalion to the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since 1999, Sweden has provided a mechanized company and support units to the peacekeeping force in Kosovo. Since 2003, Swedish personnel have been working alongside Allied forces as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, providing specialist units and logistical support. Sweden has led the multinational Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Mazar-e-Sharif since 2006. The PRT became a Transition Support Team in 2012, under the lead of Sweden’s Senior Civilian Representative in northern Afghanistan.
In April 2011, Sweden decided to contribute to Operation Unified Protector (OUP), NATO’s military operation in Libya under UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973. As part of Operation Unified Protector, the Swedish Air Force deployed eight JAS Gripen aircraft to Sigonella Air Base in Sicily to enforce the no-fly zone over Libya, supported by an air-to-air refueling capable C-130.
Sweden participates in numerous PfP exercises. The country makes a number of units available, on a case-by-case basis, for multinational operations, training and exercises, including EU and NATO-led.
The objective for the Swedish Armed Forces is to be able to sustain up to 2000 personnel continuously deployed on operations, either nationally or internationally. This pool of forces includes significant land, naval and air assets, including mechanized and armoured units, submarine, corvettes, combat and transport aircraft with a deployable airbase unit, combat and combat service support elements, as well as specialist support.
Sweden’s role in training the forces of NATO partner countries is greatly valued by the Allies. In April 1999 NATO formally recognized the military training centre in Almnäs as a PfP Training Centre. In 2004, the centre moved to new, modern premises in Kungsängen, north of Stockholm. The centre’s activities include exercises and training, with a focus on humanitarian assistance, rescue services, peace-support operations, civil emergency planning and the democratic control of the armed forces. The centre regularly organizes courses and training exercises within the PfP. Swedint, the Swedish armed forces international centre has been a PfP Training Centre since 1997. In January 2012 - in support of UN Security Resolution 1325 and related resolutions on strengthening the role of women, peace and security – the Nordic countries established a Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations, to make sure that gender perspectives continue to be integrated into military operations.
Sweden’s close ties with its neighbours Norway, Denmark and Finland are reflected in its participation in Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO), a further practical and efficient way for like-minded states to contribute to regional and international security and to practice cooperation, including pooling and sharing. In Sweden’s case this activity is pursued alongside the Nordic Battle Group and regionally around the Baltic Sea and in northern Europe.
Sweden participates in the Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC). Sweden continues to submit its land, maritime and air force units for evaluation in accordance with the NATO OCC Evaluation and Feedback programme. Sweden participated in the March 2011 Baltic Region Training Event (BRTE). Conducted by NATO Air Command Ramstein, BRTE is a series of planning, training and execution events for enhancing interoperability and building capabilities in the Baltic states.
Defence and security sector reform
Participating in peacekeeping and peace-support operations alongside NATO Allies has complemented Sweden’s own process of military transformation. Participation in the PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP) influences Swedish planning and activities, aimed at developing the capabilities and enhancing the interoperability of the Swedish Armed Forces. The Allies and other partners also benefit from Swedish expertise. For instance, Sweden contributes to NATO’s programme of support for security-sector reform in the western Balkans, southern Caucasus and Central Asia.
Sweden is contributing to the development of the EU Battle Group concept. It is cooperating with Estonia, Finland and Norway, among other countries, in the development of a multinational rapid reaction force for EU-led peace-support operations. During periods that the Swedish parts of the force are not on stand-by for EU needs, they will be available for operations led by both the UN and NATO.
Sweden joined the Strategic Airlift Interim Solution (SALIS) in March 2006 and is also participating in the Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) initiative. Designed to meet the strategic airlift requirements of SAC member nations for national missions, SACs resources can be used for NATO, UN, EU or other international missions. SAC.
Civil emergency planning
Civil emergency planning is a major area of bilateral cooperation. The aim is for Sweden to be able to cooperate with NATO Allies in providing mutual support in dealing with the consequences of a major accident or disaster in the EAPC (Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council) area. This could include dealing with the consequences of incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear agents, as well as humanitarian disaster relief operations. In line with this, Sweden has participated in numerous NATO Crisis Management Exercises, in addition to several maritime exercises. Additionally, Swedish civil resources have been listed with the EADRCC (Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre). Units include search and rescue teams, medical experts and protection and decontamination units.
In March 2010, Sweden co-hosted a seminar entitled “NATO’s New Strategic Concept – Comprehensive Approach to Crisis Management” with Finland. During the seminar, Swedish, Finnish and NATO leaders and experts discussed ways to improve crisis management cooperation between the Allies and other international actors.
Sweden has also previously worked with NATO to improve both emergency response and crisis management. In April 2011, Sweden conducted a joint civil-military-police exercise, Viking 11. It took place in six different countries simultaneously with Sweden as the lead nation and with participants from the United Nations, a wide range of NGOs and agencies, armed forces from about 25 countries and civilians and police from various countries and organizations. The overall objective of Viking 11 was to train and educate the participants in planning and conducting a UN-mandated Chapter VII Peace Operation/Crisis Response Operation.
Science and environment
Under the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, scientists from Sweden have participated in numerous advanced research workshops and seminars on a range of topics. Topics have included information security, mesoscopic physics, the environmental role of wetlands, the protection of civilian infrastructure against terrorism, and human trafficking.
