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NATO and Sweden detail areas of cooperation and timelines in Sweden’s Individual Partnership Programme (IPP), which is jointly agreed for a two-year period. Key areas include security and peacekeeping cooperation, crisis management and civil emergency planning.
Sweden has also worked alongside the Allies in security and peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Afghanistan.
In 1996, Sweden contributed a battalion to the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Beginning in 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 International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, providing specialist units and logistical support.
Sweden participates in numerous PfP exercises. In 2007, Sweden listed a number of units as available for both EU and NATO-led operations, training and exercises. Participation requires a government decision in each individual case. The units include one mechanized infantry battalion, one light mechanized infantry battalion, one amphibious battalion (shallow water capable), one engineer company, a special operations task group, one CBRN rapid response company, and significant naval and air assets, including submarines, corvettes, and both combat and transport aircraft with a deployable airbase unit.
Sweden’s role in training the forces of NATO Partner countries is greatly valued by the Allies. In April 1999 NATO formally recognised 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 activities of the centre 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.
Sweden’s close ties with its neighbours Norway and Finland have resulted in Nordic security cooperation, a further practical and efficient way for like-minded states to contribute to regional and international security. In Sweden’s case this activity is pursued alongside the Nordic Battle Group.
Sweden has expressed an interest in NATO Response Force (NRF) participation, with a decision by Stockholm likely in 2008. Both overall participation and involvement in any specific operation remain sovereign decisions.
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 enhancing Sweden’s ability to take part in peace-support operations. The Allies and other Partners also benefit from Swedish expertise. Sweden is contributing to NATO’s programme of support for security-sector reform in the western Balkans, southern Caucasus and Central Asia.
Sweden is participating in 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. These formations are expected to be fully capable from 2008.
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 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, 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.
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. Since 2005, Swedish personnel have participated in over 20 activities. Topics have included information security, mesoscopic physics, the environmental role of wetlands, the protection of civilian infrastructure against terrorism, and human trafficking.
