2023 Fact Finding Trip to Sweden​

The Center for Maritime Strategy assembled a distinguished delegation to participate in a fact-finding trip to Sweden hosted by the Swedish Defense University. Between October 2 and October 6, 2023, nine U.S. delegates participated in a series of meetings, site visits, and roundtable discussions to exchange information about shared maritime threats, best practices for maritime security and national defense, and Sweden’s ability to contribute to the NATO alliance. The delegates were honored to be accompanied by Rear Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum and senior Swedish Royal Navy and Royal Marines representatives for much of the trip.

Photo 1. Delegates attend a dinner hosted by Rear Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum and Royal Navy staff.

Photo 2. Delegates meet with Royal Swedish Marines to discuss operations, tactics, and terrain.

Delegates – bringing experience from the military, journalism, government, private sector, and research organizations – toured Muskö Naval Base, visited the Swedish Ministry of Defence, toured Saab’s HQ, explored innovative projects at the Royal Institute of Technology, vmet with representatives at the Lindholmen Science Park, and saw the Port of Gothenburg. The trip facilitated important discussions about “total defense,” national security, regional defense, joint exercises, international collective defense, commercial shipping, energy production, hybrid threats, scientific and technological innovation, and more. The fact finding trip created an environment for U.S.-Swedish understanding and cooperation to flourish in the military and civilian maritime spaces.

Photo 3. Delegates from the Center for Maritime Strategy in Stockholm, Sweden.