NATO membership’s ripple effect: Transforming Nordic air forces
The exact form of the Nordic Air Force concept remains uncertain with several details requiring further refinement. (Photo: Saab)
As Sweden and Finland embrace their newfound NATO membership, alignment with alliance requirements and regional interests could herald the dawn of a reinvigorated Nordic Air Force with enhanced defence capabilities.
After almost two centuries of maintaining official military neutrality, Sweden made a historic decision on 7 March 2024 to join NATO, expanding its role on the global NATO stage while opening avenues for closer cooperation with its Nordic counterparts.
The Swedish Armed Forces, especially the Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet), had long been shaped by the country’s commitment to impartial defence, said Maj Gen Jonas Wilkman, chief of the Swedish Air Force. Saab itself, Sweden’s foremost defence company, was established by a nation ready to stand alone with a strategic focus on addressing potential threats from Russia.
Talking during the RUSI
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![BAE Systems wins $4 million in DARPA cash for AI programme]()
BAE Systems wins $4 million in DARPA cash for AI programme
The challenges of getting artificial intelligence into a jet fighter’s cockpit have proved considerable to date. BAE Systems will take a machine-learning approach to the problem.
-
![Dutch $691 million request for Sidewinder missiles approved]()
Dutch $691 million request for Sidewinder missiles approved
The approval for the purchase follows other orders approved or placed in the past year by Romania, Poland, Italy and South Korea.
-
![Poland broadens commercial defence channels with South Korea through sales of Warmate drones]()
Poland broadens commercial defence channels with South Korea through sales of Warmate drones
The sale was welcomed by South Korea, which advocated ongoing mutual commercial support.
