Sweden is considering cooperation with France and Britain in the field of nuclear weapons

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson revealed that his country held early talks with France and Britain about the possibility of cooperation in the field of nuclear weapons.

No concrete proposals or timetables for any cooperation have been identified. Kristersson stressed that the talks are still in their initial stages, but his statements to the Swedish public channel indicate a noticeable shift in the tone of the conversation about the sensitive issue in Sweden related to nuclear deterrence in Europe.

These statements come in the midst of broader discussions about strengthening European security independence within NATO, especially in light of doubts surrounding long-term American commitments and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Christerson said in his statements: “France raises from time to time, even publicly, its interest in discussing nuclear weapons capabilities with other European countries.”

Christerson’s statements came a few days after the US Department of Defense issued its unclassified National Defense Strategy. Part of this strategy included a two-pronged message about how President Donald Trump’s administration would deal with Russia by building up US nuclear forces, while withdrawing US forces from Europe and leaving European countries to defend the continent themselves.

When asked about his response when France inquires about cooperation in the field of nuclear weapons, Christerson replied: “I say that when we joined NATO, we became fully involved in all discussions, including those taking place in Europe about nuclear weapons,” continuing: “Not for the sake of using them, but as long as dangerous countries have nuclear weapons, healthy democracies must also have access to nuclear weapons.”

In a question about whether Sweden could participate with France in a nuclear programme, the Swedish Prime Minister answered “yes”, before revealing that such discussions had already begun.

He added: “We are now in ongoing discussions with both France and the United Kingdom. “These discussions are not yet very precise, and French nuclear weapons are purely French weapons, but France is also showing openness to discussion with other countries.”

Christerson continued: “We should not get ahead of events. These discussions are now underway, and as a member of NATO, we are fully involved in everything. We did not see any need to place them (nuclear weapons) in Sweden in peacetime, just as there is no need for there to be foreign forces in the country in peacetime.”

The Swedish Prime Minister’s statement came after the publication of an editorial in Dagens Nyheter, one of the most influential morning newspapers in Sweden, entitled: “No one wants to discuss Swedish nuclear weapons, but we must.”

The article stated that Sweden and Europe can no longer avoid a serious discussion about non-American nuclear deterrence options.

The article highlights growing European doubts about ensuring transatlantic security amid European concerns about the reliability of the United States under current and potential future administrations.

The editorial notes Sweden’s potential advantages: Its combination of nuclear technology expertise from previous Cold War research, civilian and military programs, and a reliable defense industry could give Sweden a pivotal role if a nuclear option is pursued in northern Europe.

Sweden joined NATO in March 2024, but Stockholm’s reliance on nuclear deterrence, provided by the United States, the United Kingdom and France, has remained an open and sensitive issue for some time.

NATO’s director of nuclear policy, Jim Stokes, addressed this issue directly during a symposium held in Stockholm in June 2024.

Stokes stressed the need for Sweden to clearly explain to its citizens the implications of its membership in the alliance, saying: “Sweden needs to explain to its people the importance of joining a nuclear alliance.”

About “Breaking Defense”

. Sweden and Europe can no longer avoid a serious discussion about non-US nuclear deterrence options.

. Sweden joined NATO in March 2024, but Stockholm’s reliance on nuclear deterrence, provided by the United States, the United Kingdom and France, has remained an open and sensitive issue for some time.