The UK has signed mutual security assurances with Sweden and Finland agreeing to extend its military support in case either nation faces a crisis or comes under attack.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited the two countries to sign the agreements.
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The new security arrangements will strengthen defence collaboration between the UK and the two Nordic nations bolstering overall security across the three countries and Northern Europe.
According to a government statement, it will facilitate intelligence sharing, accelerate joint military training, as well as expedite military exercises and deployments.
Additionally, it will also enable the UK, Sweden and Finland to work together on emerging challenges such as hybrid and cyber threats.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We are steadfast and unequivocal in our support to both Sweden and Finland and the signing of these security declarations is a symbol of the everlasting assurance between our nations.
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By GlobalData“These are not a short-term stop gap, but a long-term commitment to bolster military ties and global stability, and fortify Europe’s defences for generations to come.”
The move comes as the Russian invasion of Ukraine forced several European countries to reassess their security and military readiness.
Sweden and Finland are reportedly considering joining Nato. The two countries may apply to join the military alliance in the coming days, Reuters reported.
Both countries have played key roles in supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
The Swedish and Finnish military forces have exercised together with British troops recently across the High North and the Baltics.
They are also part of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force task force, which works to ensure stability and security in the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea Region and the High North.
