U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Kendall Visits Swedish Armed Forces to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

The Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Air Force today welcomed the U.S. Secretary of the Air Force, Frank Kendall, for a high-level visit aimed at deepening the strategic partnership between the United States and Sweden. Secretary Kendall's visit underscores the ongoing commitment of both nations to enhance bilateral military cooperation and address shared security challenges.

“Sweden’s accession to NATO adds incredible capability to the alliance and reinforces all members collective defense. I am delighted to be here in Sweden to further enhance NATO interoperability across the air and space domains. Our partnership has never been more closely aligned and has a bright future,” said the U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall.

During the visit, Secretary Kendall met with senior Swedish officials including, State Secretary Peter Sandwall, Chief of Defense Staff LtGen Michael Claesson and Chief of Air Force MG Jonas Wikman, to discuss continued military cooperation. Central to these discussions was the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) signed between the United States and Sweden. The DCA, a significant milestone in the defense relationship, facilitates closer operational coordination and enhances the capacity of both nations to conduct joint exercises, training, and operations.

In addition to the DCA, the discussions focused on the development of capabilities to address emerging military challenges. As global security dynamics evolve, both Sweden and the United States recognize the importance of partners and allies. The leaders explored avenues for collaboration in areas such as the modernization of air combat systems, ensuring that both nations remain well-equipped to counter future threats.

“After our meeting with the U.S. Secretary of the Air Force, I am confident that our strong defense cooperation can be further strengthened. We discussed several potential areas of collaboration that can enhance our operational capabilities and contribute to increased security in the region. Through a deepened partnership and increased exchange of knowledge and technology, we stand stronger together to face the security challenges of today and in the future”, said the Chief of the Air Force Major General Jonas Wikman.

The partnership between the United States and Sweden is stronger than ever. The visit marks a significant step in reinforcing the strategic alliance between the United States and Sweden, laying the groundwork for continued cooperation in addressing future security issues.