Photo: Anton Thorstensson/Swedish Armed Forces

Defence cooperation between Finland and Sweden

Sweden's most far-reaching defence cooperation is its cooperation with Finland. The two countries have similar security policies, and they both wish to expand their already extensive defence cooperation. Sweden interacts with Finland both bilaterally and within existing multilateral forums such as the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO), the European Union, the United Nations and NATO.

Responsible ministers
Peter Hultqvist
Responsible ministries
Ministry of Defence

Cooperation between Finland and Sweden in brief

  • 1. Aim of the cooperation

    The aim of the cooperation between Sweden and Finland is to improve their defensive capabilities, conduct joint operations and promote common defence interests, such as improving the security situation in the Baltic Sea Region.

  • 2. Partnership expanded in multiple stages

    Sweden and Finland have a long history of defence cooperation. In 2014, the two countries presented an Action Plan for deepening their cooperation.

  • 3. The cooperation in practice

    In 2015, the Swedish Government authorised the Armed Forces to manage a more extensive defence partnership with Finland. The Government has also made a number of separate decisions aimed at expanding its partnership with Finland in several specific areas.

  • 4. Final report on deepened defence cooperation

    In 2014, the Swedish Armed Forces and the Finnish Defence Forces presented a joint report with concrete proposals for cooperation areas.

  1. 1. Aim of the cooperation
  2. 2. Partnership expanded in multiple stages
  3. 3. The cooperation in practice
  4. 4. Final report on deepened defence cooperation