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Wednesday | 15 January 2025 | Epaper

Impacts of Sweden’s inclusion in NATO

Published : Saturday, 9 March, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 479
Syed Raiyan Amir
On March 7, 2024, Sweden officially joined NATO by submitting its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty to the United States government in Washington DC. This action expands NATOs membership to 32 countries. A ceremony to raise Swedens flag alongside those of the other 31 Allies is scheduled to take place at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Monday, March 11, 2024, as well as simultaneously at NATO commands throughout Europe and North America.

Following the commencement of the Ukraine war in 2022, Sweden sought membership in the defense alliance. However, its application faced obstacles from two member states. Initially, Turkey withheld approval due to a dispute over what it perceived as Swedens backing of Kurdish separatists. Turkey eventually withdrew its objection in January of 2024. Additionally, Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused Sweden of displaying hostility towards Hungary, resulting in a delay in Hungarys approval. Finally, last week, the Hungarian parliament voted to ratify Swedens bid for NATO membership.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity as guiding principles for Swedens approach to its NATO membership. US Secretary of State Blinken expressed satisfaction with Swedens accession, noting that NATOs defensive alliance has significantly strengthened and expanded as a result. He thanked Sweden for its resilience throughout the membership process and acknowledged the challenges encountered along the way. Secretary Blinken emphasized that Swedens decision to join NATO was not predetermined and underscored the significance of its shift from a longstanding policy of non-alignment, particularly in light of the Ukraine war. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg praised Swedens entry into the alliance, highlighting the countrys capable armed forces and advanced defense industry, which enhance NATOs overall strength and security.

Stoltenberg reaffirmed NATOs commitment to collective defense, emphasizing that all members are expected to support an ally under attack. Prime Minister Kristersson expressed both humility and pride regarding Swedens NATO membership, affirming the countrys willingness to fulfill its responsibilities and obligations within the alliance. He emphasized the seriousness of the security situation in the region, comparing it to the period of World War Two, and reiterated Swedens commitment to contributing to and benefiting from NATOs collective security framework.

But actions have consequences, no one can evade them forever.

Last year, the Swedish government announced its intention to boost its defense budget by 28%, aligning with the military spending target of 2% of gross domestic product mandated by the NATO alliance, of which Sweden was poised to become a member. Now it became a member.Highlighting the gravity of the current security landscape, Defense Minister PÃ¥l Jonson emphasized the necessity for Sweden to maintain a robust defense posture capable of safeguarding its territorial integrity.

The introduction of the defense bill for 2024 by Swedens center-right coalition government outlines a substantial increase in military expenditure amounting to 27 billion kronor ($2.4 billion), with approximately 700 million kronor ($63 million) earmarked for Swedens prospective NATO membership.Jonson underscored the imperative for Sweden to enhance its readiness, advocating for military drills geared towards NATO integration while reaffirming the countrys support for Ukraine. The recent accession of Sweden to NATO is expected to facilitate the augmentation of defense capabilities and armaments, ensuring alignment with the alliances collective defense objectives.

The move will likely be perceived as a direct challenge to Russias influence in the region, prompting a strategic recalibration from Moscow. Russia may respond with increased military presence along its western borders, including the deployment of troops and advanced weaponry, as a deterrent against NATO forces. In a report released in December 2023, it was revealed that Russia is poised to dispatch its cutting-edge howitzers to the Northern Military District, a region bordering Finland and Norway.

This significant development was disclosed by Sergei Chemezov, the head of Rostec, the state defense conglomerate, during an interview with the state RIA news agency. Chemezov highlighted the completion of testing for the new Coalition-SV self-propelled artillery units, affirming that large-scale production has already commenced. Anticipated to be operational by the years end, the initial batch delivery signals Russias strategic move to fortify its military capabilities in the Northern Military District, aimed at outmatching Western artillery models in firing range.

The decision to deploy these advanced howitzers comes in the wake of President Vladimir Putins pivotal decision in 2021 to reclassify the Russian Northern Fleet as the Northern Military District, extending its territorial jurisdiction to encompass the Murmansk region, adjacent to Finland and Norway.

This restructuring underscores Russias proactive stance amidst escalating tensions with the West, exacerbated by Finlands alignment with NATO. Moscow has accused the Western bloc of engaging in a proxy war and issued warnings of heightened military buildup along its western borders. Recent reports from Russias TASS state news agency have indicated the deployment of individual Coalition-SV howitzers to the frontline in Ukraine. Renowned for their formidable capabilities, these howitzers boast an impressive firing range of up to 70 kilometers and are outfitted with a state-of-the-art 152 mm caliber cannon, capable of firing over 10 rounds per minute. Moreover, they feature cutting-edge automation systems designed to streamline gun pointing, target selection, and navigation processes, as corroborated by TASS sources. It will be continued with more initiatives like this since a new member has been added in the NATO alliance.

Russia may conduct military exercises near Baltic states and other NATO members to showcase its capabilities and test NATOs response, potentially escalating tensions in the region. In August 2023, Russias Ministry of Defense announced the commencement of live-fire naval exercises in the Baltic Sea, heightening tensions with neighboring European nations amid ongoing concerns over NATO and Ukraine. This marks Russias return to large-scale military drills in the Baltic region following

Finlands recent accession to NATO. The exercises, dubbed Ocean Shield-2023, would involve a larger deployment of personnel, aircraft, and live weaponry compared to previous drills, aimed at testing the navys preparedness to safeguard Russian interests in strategically vital areas. With over 6,000 personnel, 30 warships and boats, and 30 aircraft participating, the maneuvers would focus on protecting sea routes, troop transportation, and coastal defense. President Vladimir Putins opposition to NATO expansion, particularly in former Soviet states, underscores the geopolitical tensions underlying Russias military activities in the Baltic Sea, amplified by Finlands NATO membership. Swedens membership will escalate it.

Swedens NATO membership undoubtedly introduced a new dimension of strategic dynamics in Northern Europe. The prospect of Sweden aligning with NATO could lead to a further consolidation of Western influence in the region, but it would also provoke a robust response from Russia. The strategic maneuvers and diplomatic pressure from Moscow could heighten tensions and create challenges for Swedish policymakers. The world anticipates increased activity from both entities as they guide evolving security challenges and assert their respective interests on the international stage.

The writer is Research Associate, the KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs (CBGA)



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