Swedish-British Cooperation on the West Coast – Armed Forces

The Global Trade Facility serves as the framework for the UK-led rapid reaction force. It should be seen as a complement to NATO and be able to act in crises with a focus on Northern Europe. Ten countries are part of the cooperation, including Sweden and Great Britain. This type of cooperation is important for Sweden.

The Swedish archipelago is a unique environment to operate in and where Swedish amphibious soldiers are experts.
Photo: Matilda Arthursson/Swedish Armed Forces

They were able to see the regiment’s training areas, equipment and how to operate safely near the largest port in the Nordic region – Gothenburg. Major Christian Schuld is deputy commander of the 5th Amphibious Battalion:

-By training together in this way, we gain an understanding of each other’s strengths, sensors and weapons systems. The Swedish Archipelago is a unique environment where we are experts and are happy to show others how we work.

Captain Henry Shelton of the Royal Marines thought the exercise was rewarding:

– The importance we give here in Sweden to the environment of the archipelago, along with the vital coastal infrastructure that is ending, for example, has many similarities to the way we in the UK view this issue. We have learned a lot about Swedish amphibious capability and will be able to build on it in the future.

For the Swedish Armed Forces, cooperation with other countries and organizations is very important, not least in light of Sweden’s application to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). But all types of cooperation contribute to the safety of the local area.

– If in the future we want to carry out joint operations with Royal Marine commandos in an acute situation, the starting distance is now much shorter, concludes Christian Schuld.