The UK will continue to strongly support Sweden’s swift accession
to NATO and we will work together to ensure Ukraine receives the
support it needs, following discussions during a meeting between
defence ministers.
Defence Secretary welcomed his counterpart Pål Jonson during a visit to
the UK Ministry of Defence today, which included the signing of a
letter of intent relating to a new contract to deliver 14
Swedish-built Archer self-propelled guns to the British Army, as
well as highlighting potential future collaboration between the
UK and Sweden.
During the meeting, the Defence Secretary further reaffirmed the
UK’s commitment to supporting Sweden throughout its NATO
accession process.
UK Defence Secretary, , said:
“Sweden has provided vital military aid and integral support to
Ukraine and our allies through the Joint Expeditionary Force.
“The UK will continue to give our full support to Sweden’s
accession to NATO, fortifying Northern Europe and the Baltics
against Russian aggression and expanding security challenges in
the region.”
Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson said:
Swedish relations with the UK will be strengthened with the
agreement about cooperation on artillery signed today. The
British leadership when it comes to supporting Ukraine is an
inspiration for all of us and both Sweden and the UK will
continue to support Ukraine until victory is achieved.
I thank the UK for the quick ratification and the support of our
NATO membership application. The UK has shown continued political
support but also military presence in our neighbourhood - both
bilaterally and through the JEF - pivotal to our security during
the accession period.
The UK and Sweden’s defence relationship is driven by membership
of the JEF and Northern Group, as well as by the May 2022 UK-Sweden
Mutual Solidarity Agreement, relating to intelligence sharing
and joint training and operations.
This has been supported by joint exercising of Royal Air Force
Typhoon aircraft and the Swedish Air Force, as well as by visits
from Royal Navy vessels, with HMS Defender and HMS Portland
visiting Swedish ports last summer, and a visit by HMS Mersey
earlier this month. A further port visit will be carried out by
HMS Albion this year.
This spring will also see the Army join forces with the Royal
Navy and RAF for Exercise Aurora. Alongside naval vessels,
commandos, and RAF Typhoons, soldiers from the 1st Battalion the
Mercian Regiment will train with both Swedish and Finnish troops,
operating as part of a Finnish Battlegroup in Sweden.
Swedish industry has also provided important support amid the
UK’s programme of providing military aid to Ukraine, with
hundreds of NLAW anti-tank weapons – designed by Swedish company
Saab – donated by the UK to bolster Ukraine’s capability. The UK
today also announced a contract of nearly £5 million to replenish
munitions granted to Ukraine with Saab-produced Carl-Gustaf M4
recoilless rifles.
The purchase of Archer also enables the UK to support Ukraine
through the donation of AS90 self-propelled guns, replacing them
until the long-term Mobile Fires Platform delivers later this
decade as part of the Future Soldier modernisation programme.
The UK is committed to provide the capabilities Ukraine requires,
including artillery, air defence and armoured vehicles, and to
drive further international donations and secure lasting peace.
The UK provided £2.3 billion in military support to Ukraine in
2022 and has already committed to sustain that level of military
support into 2023.
