NATO Defence Ministers agree on new capability targets

NATO Capability Targets define which military capabilities member countries need, in order to implement NATO’s operational plans and contribute to the Alliance’s collective defence. New capability targets are adopted every four years. The targets are divided into short-term (0–6 years) and medium-term objectives (7–19 years). Targets for the coming years were adopted at the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels on 5 June.

To meet the new capability targets, Allies need to increase their defence spending. At the meeting, Allies also discussed the proposal for new defence spending targets, as part of preparations ahead of the NATO Summit in The Hague on 24–25 June.

Mr Jonson also held bilateral meetings with Ukraine’s Minister of Defence Rustum Umerov and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), Admiral Pierre Vandier. 

Cooperation for increased security in the Baltic Sea region

In conjunction with the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers, all NATO countries located around the Baltic Sea signed a joint statement on increasing security in the region. Mr Jonson signed the statement on behalf of Sweden.

In their statement, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany and Sweden pledge to deepen cooperation on increasing security in the Baltic Sea region, and to push for enhanced cooperation between the EU and NATO on issues related to security in the region.

Upcoming procurement of hundreds of combat vehicles

In connection with the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers, Mr Jonson also signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on Sweden’s cooperation with Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Norway for the procurement of several hundred Combat Vehicle 90s. 

“By linking up with several countries, we can reduce costs, speed up deliveries and strengthen the defence industry’s production capacity,” says Mr Jonson.

Future procurement of hundreds of combat vehicles

In connection with the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers, Mr Jonson also signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on Sweden’s cooperation with Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Norway for the procurement of hundreds of Combat Vehicle 90s. 

“By linking up with several countries, we can reduce costs, speed up deliveries and strengthen the defence industry’s production capacity,” says Mr Jonson.

New coalition in support of Ukraine

On 4 June, the day preceding the NATO meeting, Mr Jonson took part in a meeting in Brussels, held within the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG). Within the framework of the UDCG, there are a number of capability coalitions between various countries that coordinate and mobilise support to Ukraine in various areas. Sweden already participates in a number of these coalitions, and on 4 June, Mr Jonson signed an agreement on Sweden joining another coalition: the Electromagnetic Warfare Capability Coalition. 

Cooperation within the Coalition will focus on the procurement of electromagnetic warfare equipment, education and training, and policy development. Participation allows Sweden the opportunity to provide expertise in the electromagnetic warfare field and to get insights into, and deeper knowledge on, the modern electromagnetic warfare environment.  

Enhanced cooperation with Ukraine in the space arena

In conjunction with the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers, Mr Jonson also signed an LoI on cooperation between Sweden and Ukraine on issues regarding space capabilities, such as satellite communications.