When King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden stepped onto Canadian soil last week, the royal pomp masked what insiders call a significant shift in transatlantic security cooperation. Behind the ceremonial dinners and photo opportunities lay serious discussions about deepening military collaboration between these Arctic neighbours.
“We’re seeing a strategic realignment that stretches far beyond traditional diplomatic niceties,” said Margot Wallström, former Swedish Foreign Minister, during an exclusive interview at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. “The King’s presence underscores just how seriously Sweden views its relationship with Canada in this new security environment.”
The six-day royal tour, which included stops in Ottawa, Toronto, and the Canadian Arctic, comes as both nations navigate increasingly complex security challenges. Sweden’s recent NATO membership has accelerated defence coordination efforts that were already quietly underway between the two countries.
At CFB Trenton, the King and Queen Silvia toured Canadian military facilities, where they observed joint winter warfare training exercises. These drills are part of what Defence Minister Bill Blair called “natural partnership opportunities” between countries with similar Arctic defence interests.
“We’ve been developing cold-weather capabilities alongside Swedish counterparts for years,” Blair noted while hosting the royal delegation. “But what’s changing now is the scale and formality of these arrangements. This visit helps cement that evolution.”
The timing couldn’t be more significant. Sweden’s historic decision to abandon two centuries of military non-alignment came after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent shockwaves through Northern Europe. For Canada, which has long advocated for stronger NATO presence in the High North, Sweden’s membership represents a crucial reinforcement.
A joint communiqué released by the Prime Minister’s Office highlighted plans for expanded military exercises, intelligence sharing protocols, and defence technology cooperation. The document outlined specific agreements on cybersecurity threats and Arctic domain awareness systems – areas where both countries have developed complementary expertise.
Perhaps most telling was the announcement of a new bilateral defence industrial partnership. Under this framework, Canadian and Swedish defence contractors will receive preferential consideration for joint development projects, particularly in Arctic surveillance systems and sustainable military technology.
“This isn’t just about buying each other’s equipment,” explained Stephanie Carvin, international relations professor at Carleton University. “It’s about creating integrated supply chains that strengthen both countries’ defence industrial bases at a time when manufacturing security has become a strategic priority.”
The royal visit also highlighted shared values beyond military cooperation. During a climate research roundtable at the University of Toronto, the King emphasized the deep cultural connections between Canadians and Swedes, from hockey rivalries to environmental stewardship.
“Our countries understand the importance of international rules and collaboration,” the King stated to students and faculty. “We’ve both chosen to prioritize open societies that support human rights and democratic principles.”
Not everyone views the deepening military ties uncritically, however. Several peace activists demonstrated outside the Royal Ontario Museum gala, carrying signs questioning increased defence spending and military cooperation.
“We’re concerned about the quiet militarization happening without proper public debate,” said Janice Ferguson, coordinator for the Canadian Peace Alliance. “These agreements are being wrapped in royal packaging to avoid scrutiny.”
The Swedish embassy declined to comment on the protests, but Canadian officials emphasized that the defence agreements build on longstanding security partnerships rather than marking a dramatic departure from previous policy.
For communities in Canada’s North, the Swedish connection represents potential economic opportunities. In Iqaluit, where the royal couple spent their final day, Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok highlighted possible collaboration on everything from housing technology to renewable energy systems designed for extreme cold.
“Sweden has developed innovative approaches to northern development that respect Indigenous knowledge,” Akeeagok said during a community feast honoring the royal visitors. “We’re eager to learn from their experiences while sharing our own.”
The King’s visit concluded with the announcement of a new Canada-Sweden Arctic Science Partnership, which will fund joint research expeditions examining climate change impacts across the circumpolar region. This initiative parallels the defence cooperation by addressing non-military security threats facing northern communities.
As the royal plane departed Canadian airspace, defence analysts noted that the relationship’s true test will come in the implementation of these new agreements. A senior Defence Department official, speaking on background, confirmed that Canadian troops will participate in Sweden’s Aurora 24 military exercise this spring – the largest such deployment to Sweden in Canadian history.
“What we’re witnessing is the creation of a northern security corridor stretching from the Baltic to the Beaufort Sea,” said Robert Huebert of the University of Calgary’s Centre for Military and Strategic Studies. “It’s a natural evolution, but one that’s been dramatically accelerated by current events.”
The King may have returned to Stockholm, but the defence partnerships initiated during this visit will likely shape Canadian security planning for years to come – royal ceremony giving way to the pragmatic business of protecting shared northern interests in uncertain times.
