Sweden Ratifies NATO Membership, Completing Alliance’s Expansion to 32 Members
After a 21-month wait, Sweden has finally ratified its membership in NATO, marking the completion of the alliance’s expansion to 32 members. The Hungarian parliament approved Sweden’s membership application, bringing an end to Stockholm’s long-awaited accession. This move comes in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the subsequent threats from President Vladimir Putin and his top officials.
Sweden’s membership, along with neighboring Finland’s, has transformed NATO’s security environment in northern Europe and the Arctic. It adds 830 miles of frontier with Russia and effectively encircles the Baltic Sea, which some officials have already dubbed a “NATO lake.” Both Sweden and Finland have long been preparing for potential Russian aggression, despite their official foreign policy neutrality. Now, by abandoning non-alignment, they are bringing their well-equipped militaries to NATO.
Finland is already spending more than 2 percent of its GDP on the military, and Sweden’s Defense Ministry has announced plans to do the same by the end of 2024. NATO expects 18 of its members to reach the 2 percent threshold by that time. The United States leads the pack, spending 3.4 percent of its GDP on defense, while Poland spends the most among NATO allies at 3.9 percent. On the other end of the spectrum, Luxembourg, Spain, and Belgium are among the lowest-spending nations.
Neil Melvin, the director of international security at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank in London, highlights Sweden’s significant contributions to NATO. He notes that Sweden brings a well-equipped army with over a hundred advanced jet fighters, a modern navy including submarines, and a technologically advanced defense industrial base. This expansion of NATO’s Article 5 collective defense commitment across Scandinavia is part of a larger transformation of northern Europe into a NATO bastion.
Sweden’s armed forces consist of around 24,000 active personnel, supported by reserves and the Home Guard. The country plans to draft more conscripts into its reserves annually, and it has already sent armored infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks to Ukraine. Behind the front lines, Swedish forces have self-propelled artillery systems that can set up, fire shots, and leave their positions within seconds. Their longest-range shells can reach targets up to 31 miles away.
In terms of air power, Sweden boasts around 100 Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft, known for their versatility and ability to counter Russian surface-to-air missiles. These fighters can take off and land on damaged runways and highways, making them appealing for potential use in Ukraine. Sweden also has reconnaissance aircraft and surface-to-air systems for defense.
Sweden’s role in NATO’s control of the Baltic Sea is crucial, as it serves as a gateway to vital Russian ports. The country’s submarines, including new A26 attack submarines set to be launched in the coming years, are designed to operate in the shallow Baltic Sea. This will aid NATO in monitoring Russian vessels and preventing sabotage of important undersea infrastructure.
Overall, Sweden’s ratification of NATO membership marks a significant milestone in the alliance’s expansion and strengthens its presence in northern Europe. With Sweden and Finland on board, NATO gains two militaries that are well-prepared to counter potential Russian aggression. As tensions continue to rise in the region, this expansion serves as a clear message of unity and deterrence against any threats to European security.
