From 26 to 28 March, the NATO Military Committee visited the Island of Gotland and Luleå in Sweden, on an invitation by the Swedish Chief of Defence, General Michael Claesson. This was the first visit of the Military Committee to Sweden, since the country became the 32nd member of the NATO Alliance, in March 2024.
Throughout the visit, the Military Committee was briefed on Sweden's security and defence strategy, its geostrategic environment, total defence concept and modern military capabilities. Sweden's bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation with regional and international allies were also discussed.
The Chair of the Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, underscored "the importance of this visit in witnessing first-hand the high-level of Sweden's defence capabilities, the professionalism of its military and civilian personnel, and how all this contributes significantly to the Alliance's collective defence". Admiral Cavo Dragone emphasized the security of Sweden's position within NATO, and the commitment of guaranteeing security shared among all 32 Allies.
On Wednesday 26th March, the Military Committee visited Swedish military facilities on the Island of Gotland, a site of geostrategic importance in the Baltic sea region for strengthening NATO's north-eastern flank. The Military Committee also had the opportunity to meet with the 18th Armoured Regiment Gotland, and learn more about Sweden's maritime and land capabilities.
The Military Committee also visited Luleå, hosted by the Chief of the Air Force, Major General Jonas Wikman, and the Chief of the Army, Major General Jonny Lindfors, where they learned more about how Sweden's specialised capabilities are adapted to the High North strategic environment. In Luleå, admirals and generals from the Military Committee had the opportunity to engage with conscripts, and were briefed on Sweden's whole-of-society approach and investment in future force capabilities.
