The Guards regiment in Kungsängen provided a chilly zero-degree wind for the meeting of the Swedish and British army chiefs – but the warm military relations between the nations were unmistakable. The Swedish Army and the British Army share a long history of collaboration, from Kosovo via Afghanistan and Mali to current involvement in JEF (Joint Expeditionary Force). The British Army has also opted to purchase 14 Archer artillery systems, currently participating in the large-scale artillery exercise Dynamic Front in Finland.
"We’ve had fruitful discussions about the global situation, the war in Ukraine, and much more, including how the war has changed ground force operations", said Army Chief Jonny Lindfors.
After a test ride in the Armoured Terrain Vehicle 360, the generals visited some IB1 soldiers, who showcased the brigade's weapons systems.
"The soldiers I met demonstrated a clearity of purpose – to defend Sweden and, in extension, the alliance", said Sir Roland Walker.
19 November, an Extraordinary Day
The visit coincided with the 1,000th day since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine – a day marked by sorrow in many ways. The British Chief of the General Staff acknowledged this but also highlighted another dimension of the day.
"It’s also an extraordinary day because it showcases what Ukraine has achieved and the extraordinary cost they’ve forced Russia to pay for its aggression. A thousand days later, Ukraine is still fighting for its future, to remain a European nation free from Russia. They’ve clearly decided they are done with Russia, so we must do everything we can to continue supporting them", said Sir Roland Walker.
"It’s fitting that we are here at the Guards, whose motto is 'Possunt nec posse videntur' – ‘They achieve the seemingly impossible.’ That’s exactly what Ukraine did in those first few days of February 2022, and they’ve continued to achieve the impossible since", added Jonny Lindfors.
Prepared for Russia
The British Chief of the General Staff has previously stated unequivocally that his army must be prepared for war with Russia within a few years, and he reiterated this during his visit to Sweden.
"History shows time and again that Russia may appear to be down, but they always come back. That’s why we must be ready, as those who have supported Ukraine will become their targets", said Sir Roland Walker.
Jonny Lindfors agreed.
"Russia’s self-image, that they have the right to create spheres of influence by subjugating neighboring countries, threatens the European security order. They are not just waging war against Ukraine but against the collective West", said the Swedish Army Chief.
Clear Tactical Training
A joint British-Swedish contribution to supporting Ukraine is Interflex, a British-led multinational training mission that has so far provided basic soldier training to 50,000 Ukrainians. Sweden’s Army and Home Guard have contributed hundreds of instructors since September 2022, and this commitment continues.
"We constantly review the training content and focus. Over the coming year, greater emphasis will be placed on training junior officers. This is tactically oriented training where soldiers learn survival skills – everything from handling drone threats to dealing with the vast amounts of unexploded ordnance, as well as digging defensive positions and providing medical care. There are also lessons we in the UK gain from the training, such as how we might train our own population in the future, should the need arise", said Sir Roland Walker.