Michael Claesson

Sweden Could Take on Bigger Role in NATO Defense, Top Commander Says

The United States is planning to withdraw fighter jets and ships from NATO’s defense of Europe, among other things. This could mean a greater role for Sweden in NATO’s future defense plans, according to Sweden’s Supreme Allied Commander Michael Claesson.

Sweden’s police chief Petra Lundh tops list of highest-paid government officials

National Police Commissioner Petra Lundh tops the list of agency heads with the highest salaries.

ÖB: It would be misconduct not to think about Russia testing NATO's Article 5

The President of Finland thinks ÖB Michael Claesson should take a sauna instead of worrying about Russia testing NATO's Article 5. ÖB says it would be misconduct not to think about Russia testing NATO's Article 5.

Swedish defense on the Russian threat: Prepared for everything

Russia is considered to be taking increasing risks, both politically and militarily, in Sweden's immediate vicinity. We have prepared for scenarios across the entire escalation ladder, says Ewa Skoog Haslum, Head of the Swedish Armed Forces' Operations Command.

Stubb says there is no evidence Russia will test NATO Article 5

Finnish President Alexander Stubb does not share the concern that Russia may want to test NATO's Article 5 in the relatively near future. "As president, commander-in-chief and a Finn, I see no evidence that this would happen," he tells HBL.

Sweden to buy four French frigates for over 40 billion kronor

Sweden is to buy four French frigates for an estimated price tag of over 40 billion kronor. They will be the largest and most expensive Swedish warships in decades.

Decision made on purchase of four air defense frigates as Sweden begins negotiations with supplier

Sweden will begin negotiations with a supplier of the four air defense frigates that were previously planned for purchase, SVT Nyheter reports, citing sources.

ÖB: Europe needs its own nuclear deterrent

Europe needs its own nuclear deterrent to defend itself against Russia without support from the United States, Commander-in-Chief Michael Claesson says in an interview with Ekot on Saturday.

Concerns about the will to defend - fewer people in Sweden want to risk their lives

Support for a strong defense is stronger than ever, but the same does not apply to the willingness to defend Sweden with weapons. A lower willingness to defend plays into the enemy's hands. "We must have a society where everyone feels welcome," says the head of psychological defense.

Supreme Commander Michael Claesson not concerned about NATO's future

ÖB Michael Claesson is not concerned about NATO's future despite tough U.S. moves against Europe.

ÖB: Russia ready to take enormous risks

Russia will likely test NATO's defense guarantee "very soon," says Commander-in-Chief Michael Claesson in an interview with Politico.

Sweden May Shoot Down Russian Planes as Last Resort, Says Supreme Commander

Sweden's Supreme Commander Michael Claesson does not rule out that the Swedish military may end up in situations where they have to shoot down intruding aircraft. It is the pilot in the plane who has to make that decision, he says in SVT's "Agenda".

Cyberattack Hits Defense-Linked Companies in Sweden

Three companies with ties to the defense are among those affected after the cyberattack against the system supplier Miljödata. The Defense Forces have launched an investigation.

Sweden to Acquire Long-Range Weapons Capable of Striking Russia

The Armed Forces will soon make a decision to acquire long-range weapons that can strike targets within Russia. Supreme Commander Michael Claesson also wants significantly more drones and to expand the air defense.

Supreme Commander Supports NATO's 5-Percent Defense Goal

Sweden's Supreme Commander Michael Claesson welcomes that the NATO countries have agreed on the 5-percent goal. I think it's a good decision, he says to TT.

Europe's Security Plans for Ukraine Hinge on US Support

France and the United Kingdom are fighting for "security guarantees" to Ukraine ahead of a potential settlement with Russia. But how it will go is still highly unclear. And everything depends on a green light from the USA.

The Defence Confirms: Invited to Ukraine Meeting

Sweden has been invited to a new meeting in London to discuss Ukraine's security, confirms the Defence Forces to TT.

After the Supreme Commander's Meeting: This is How Europe Can Protect Ukraine

Europe wants and can stand up for Ukraine if the war ends – but exactly how is still too early to say. But it can go fast, says Supreme Commander Michael Claesson after Tuesday's defense chiefs' meeting in Paris.

Many called to the meeting about a Ukrainian force

Military representatives from over 30 countries will gather for Tuesday's talks in Paris about a potential security force in Ukraine.

Swedish Supreme Commander invited to Paris for defense meeting

Supreme Commander visited Ukraine

Silent about Trump at NATO Meeting

NATO countries' defence chiefs promise to continue doing "everything possible" to help Ukraine. But about the presidential shift in the USA on Monday, there is silence.

NATO's Supreme Commander: More will be required of Sweden

Nato's Supreme Commander, US General Chris Cavoli, says that membership in Nato is only the beginning for Sweden's part. Much more will be required in the future. Nato is an ongoing commitment.

Jonson: Nothing is more important than the war units

Minister of Defence Pål Jonson (M) states that everything must now be done to strengthen the combat units. In serious times, delay is dangerous, he says in his speech in Sälen.