Nordics forge unified military front as U.S. guarantees waver

By Elías Thorsson April 22, 2025
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Norwegian Defence Minister Bjoern Arild Gram, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen, Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson and Iceland’s Permanent Secretary of State Martin Eyjolfsson at the Nordic Defence Ministers’ Nordefco meeting in Helsinki, Finland January 30, 2025. Lehtikuva/Emmi Korhonen/via REUTERS 

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Nordic countries are rapidly reshaping their defense posture, moving from a legacy of neutrality and disarmament to building a unified military front in response to Russian aggression and growing doubts about long-term U.S. security guarantees.

Key developments in Nordic military cooperation

  • The Nordic countries—Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark—now share a unified security policy for the first time since the 1400s Kalmar Union.
  • Finland and Sweden’s NATO accession enables deeper regional integration while reinforcing NATO’s northern front.
  • Each country contributes unique strengths:
    • Sweden’s advanced defense industry.
    • Finland’s massive reserve force.
    • Norway’s Arctic maritime capabilities.
    • Denmark’s elite forces and growing Arctic investment.
  • The Joint Nordic Air Command, established in 2023, marks a milestone in integrated operational defense planning.
  • Military service in Sweden and Finland is mandatory and selective, making it a source of national prestige and readiness.

Strategic drivers and future implications

  • The shift is largely driven by fears over Russia and concerns about the reliability of U.S. protection, especially under President Trump.
  • Denmark has pledged a 70% increase in defense spending and is considering hosting nuclear weapons—an historic policy shift.
  • The Nordics rank among the top per capita donors of military aid to Ukraine, with Denmark pioneering a new funding model for Ukrainian arms production.
  • While currently unified, strategic differences could emerge—Finland favors strong territorial defense, while Sweden and Denmark are open to peacekeeping roles abroad.
  • Analysts suggest the Nordic bloc could become a “Plan B” for regional defense if NATO falters and a model for other regions such as around the Black Sea.