Sweden will set up bases for NATO troops even before it officially joins the military alliance.
Swedish Prime Minister Alf Kristerson and Defense Minister Paul Johnson say that the government has decided that the Swedish armed forces can train with NATO and NATO countries can also conduct joint operations in the future.
Sweden applied to join NATO last year, but was put on hold after objections from Turkey and Hungary.
Sweden is expected to join NATO during the NATO summit in Lithuania next month.
Sweden’s Prime Minister and Defense Minister said that these preparations include temporary storage of foreign equipment and bases for personnel.
In a joint article written for a Swedish newspaper, he said that this decision is a clear signal to Russia and strengthens Sweden’s defense.
He described Russia as a threat to neighboring countries in the future and said it was uncertain how far President Vladimir Putin’s regional goals could go.
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