🕒 Created · Updated

Sweden and Finland Expand Military Partnership to Enhance Territorial Surveillance and Counter-Drone Capabilities

Sweden and Finland have agreed to expand their defense partnership to include enhanced territorial surveillance and protection of territorial integrity. The administration announced that Sweden will send military units, including Gripen fighter jets and warships, to patrol risk areas along the Finnish-Russian border. This move follows a series of air incursions and suspected stray drones from the Russia-Ukraine war that have impacted Finnish airspace. Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen emphasized that the cooperation strengthens NATO deterrence and defense on the eastern flank. Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson noted that as NATO allies, the two countries are constantly developing their and their allies' ability to act together. Finland has already committed €50.2 million to new counter-drone capabilities, with funding allocated to the Finnish Border Guard and the police. President Alexander Stubb welcomed the expanded cooperation, noting that while Finland is not facing a direct military threat, the two countries are stronger together.

Sources