Press release
14 November 2007
Ministry of Defence
US transport aircraft to take part in Nordic Battle Group final exercise
The US is sending a C17 aircraft to take part in the Nordic Battle Group´s (NBG) final exercise. The aim is to demonstrate and practice a `transport lift´. This will also show the importance of interoperability between different countries and how resources can be pooled.
"It is important to cooperate with countries that have large transport capacity, and I am pleased to see that the final exercise can benefit from the American transport aircraft. It is a sign of the good relations between Sweden and the USA," says Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors.
"The Nordic Battle Group is by nature a rapid response force. So it is not possible to say in advance where, when or if it will be asked for or deployed. That is something that is determined by developments around the world and how the EU chooses to respond to these developments. However, it is crucial for the NBG to have access to strategic air transport if it is to be able to deploy quickly. I therefore welcome the opportunity for the NBG to practice with the C17 aircraft," says Sten Tolgfors.
It is the Government´s ambition to increase the opportunities to participate in international missions. Throughout Europe there is a general lack of access to transport aircraft for participation in such missions. This is why Sweden is conducting negotiations on a multinational resource for strategic transport aircraft called Strategic Airlift Capacity (SAC). It is intended to secure Sweden´s long-term needs for air transport. When the negotiations have been concluded, the Government will request approval by the Riksdag.
We have come to an agreement with the US on the participation of a C17 aircraft in the NBG´s final exercise. The purpose is to study planning methods and to practice loading and unloading this type of aircraft. The C17 aircraft can, for example, fly directly from Sweden to Afghanistan with a full load. This kind of resource can also be used to carry out evacuations or to transport disaster aid if the need should arise.
Contact
Mikael ÖstlundPress Secretary to Sten Tolgfors
+46 8 405 25 15
+46 70 297 43 28
email to Mikael Östlund Dennis Abrahamsson
Pressassistent
+46 8 405 25 30
+46 70 548 51 74
email to Dennis Abrahamsson John Stiernfalk
Military Adviser
+46 8 405 26 17
