The defence cooperation between Finland and Sweden is part of the broader Nordic defence cooperation.

Read more in the menu Nordic defence cooperation (link).

The Swedish Defence report of 2015 emphasised the importance of cooperation between the two countries for the development of the Swedish defence forces. Defence cooperation between Finland and Sweden began to intensify in 2015 as a result of a joint report by the defence ministers on the political guidelines for cooperation. It was agreed that the objective of so-called FISE cooperation would be to expand joint activities to cover not only exercises, but also interoperability and capability development, as well as operational planning. The defence ministers signed a more detailed agreement in 2018. In 2019, the commanders of the defence forces of both countries signed a military strategic concept that deepens cooperation in operational planning, exercises and training activities.

The respective navies have been pioneers in deepening cooperation. The first joint exercise of the Uusimaa Brigade and the Swedish navy’s Amphibious regiment was carried out as far back as in 2001. The joint Swedish-Finnish Amphibious Task Unit is expected to reach operational readiness in 2023. Naval cooperation is based on joint situational awareness under the heading of Sea Surveillance Co-Operation Finland-Sweden (SUCFIS), which was agreed in 2006. The Finnish and Swedish surface combat squadrons have formed a joint battlegroup, the Swedish Finnish Naval Task Group, which reached preliminary operational capability in 2017. Surface combat and coastal jaeger units train annually by way of the Loviisa and SWEFINEX naval exercises.

The aim of defence cooperation between Finland and Sweden is to strengthen the defence capabilities of both countries by making their joint armed forces more efficient.

In view of the tense security situation, defence cooperation between Finland and Sweden will become increasingly important. Now that both countries have become NATO members, the forms of cooperation will continue and will expand. Even in NATO, Sweden will always be Finland’s closest defence partner.

The parliaments of Finland and Sweden have passed legislation that will facilitate the respective operations of the armed forces of the two countries in each other’s territory. These arrangements and preparations will also facilitate NATO’s defence planning for Finland and Sweden.