Brothers in arms

France and Sweden aren’t obvious bedfellows. Though Sweden has been part of the EU since 1995, it has maintained a certain distance from other member states, notably choosing not to adopt the euro. France, on the other hand, has long been a proponent of collective action. Emmanuel Macron recently called for greater co-operation within the bloc, pushing for a stronger military presence in Europe. Surely a historically non-aligned country would struggle to find common ground with the Gallic member state? Think again.

The relationship between the two nations has been given new importance since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Yesterday, Macron wrapped up a two-day state visit to Stockholm and Lund, during which he met Sweden’s prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, and King Carl XVI Gustaf. Because of Sweden’s application to join Nato, which was recently approved by Turkey, defence discussions suddenly make much more sense.

Both Sweden and France believe in the idea of strategic independence and have developed impressive autonomous defence industries. The Scandinavian nation has rolled out the hi-tech Gripen fighter jet, developed by Saab, while France has produced the Dassault Aviation Rafale combat aircraft. Alongside Germany and Spain, France is also part of the Future Combat Air System initiative, a programme that Sweden could join in the future.

Europe seems increasingly aligned on issues of defence, as illustrated by the news that Stockholm-based security firm Saab and Paris-headquartered missile developer MBDA will be strengthening their collaboration. Sweden and France signed a letter of intent this week to establish long-term co-operation on arms development, including of the Akeron anti-tank missile. Uneasy bedfellows? Nothing of the sort.