Swedish Prime Minister Rules Out Hosting French Nuclear Weapons, Highlights Shifting Security Landscape

Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson declared on February 27 that hosting French nuclear weapons during peacetime is off the table. However, he emphasized that the situation could evolve in the event of war. This statement was made during a visit to the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, currently docked in Sweden. Kristersson articulated Sweden's longstanding military doctrine, which was most recently reinforced when the country applied for NATO membership following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He stated, "We have a clear doctrine in Sweden... This states that we do not have permanent foreign troops or nuclear weapons stationed on Swedish soil in peacetime." The Prime Minister confirmed that this doctrine remains firmly in place, making the hosting of French nuclear arms untenable under current conditions. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the complexity of the situation if a war were to arise. Kristersson noted, "If there were to be a war that somehow affected us then it would be a completely different situation." Sweden shifted away from over two centuries of military nonalignment, finally joining NATO as its 32nd member in March 2024. This strategic move highlights growing concerns about security in Europe, particularly as tensions with Russia continue to fester. While the United States and Russia maintain vast arsenals of nuclear warheads, France and Britain are the only European countries with nuclear capabilities, possessing hundreds of warheads between them. As fears mount regarding the reliability of US military support in Europe, European leaders are increasingly reconsidering how to effectively deter potential adversaries, including those posed by Russia's nuclear stockpile. Kristersson affirmed, "As long as Russia has nuclear weapons in our immediate vicinity, it is good that two European democracies also have nuclear weapons." The Prime Minister's comments underline the shifting dynamics of European security amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, reflecting a collective reevaluation of defense strategies in a landscape where nuclear deterrence remains a critical component of national security. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2