The Swedish Armed Forces and U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) signed a bilateral letter of intent (LOI) outlining a framework for an advanced cyber partnership in Stockholm, Sweden, April 12, 2024.
The LOI was signed by Maj. Gen. Johan Pekkari, the Swedish chief director of strategic plans and policy, and U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. James D. Cleet, USEUCOM’s deputy director of plans and operations.
The collaboration is grounded on a shared vision of bolstering cyber defense capabilities and encompasses five key areas: policy, interoperability, training, capability development and cyber operations.
As NATO’s newest member, this partnership promises added value and a multitude of opportunities to enhance capability development and operational and strategic effectiveness.
“International cooperation is a prerequisite to outpace the cyber threats of today,” said Maj. Gen. Johan Pekkari. “The bilateral partnership enables the parties to enhance their capabilities, both unilaterally and bilaterally.”
Underpinned by a strong foundation of shared values and a mutual commitment to collaboration, the partnership between the Swedish Armed Forces and USEUCOM in cyberspace is poised for rapid and focused expansion. This growth is imperative to stay ahead of sophisticated and persistent threats targeting military networks and critical infrastructure, crucial for the collective security of both nations.
"The European theater confronts numerous, increasingly aggressive cyber adversaries," noted U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. James D. Cleet. "Along with our NATO partners, and Allies like Sweden, we must work together in order to resist and recover from attacks in the cyberspace domain. This cooperation is especially necessary to prevent adversaries from being able to degrade critical systems and networks we share and depend upon.”
