On December 5, the United States and Sweden signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA). This agreement, signed by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson, will empower our two countries to expand our close security partnership, enhance our cooperation in multilateral security operations, and strengthen transatlantic security together. By design, the DCA will apply seamlessly before and after Sweden’s accession to the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).
Sweden is a strong, capable defense partner that champions NATO’s values, and will further strengthen the Alliance once its NATO accession is completed. Sweden’s membership will strengthen our collective defense and enhance our ability to respond to security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic area. Sweden will be a net security provider from its first day in NATO, and the Alliance will be stronger with Sweden as a NATO Ally.
The DCA reflects the U.S. commitment to strengthening defense partnerships around the world to advance our shared security and prosperity. As Secretary Blinken has said, “the more that countries with complementary strengths and capacities can unite to achieve shared goals, the better.”