Defense & Military
Canada and Sweden Strengthen Strategic Partnership in Defense and Arctic Security
Canada and Sweden formalize a 2025 strategic partnership enhancing cooperation in defense, technology, Arctic security, and clean energy.
In August 2025, Canada and Sweden formalized a wide-reaching strategic partnership, marking a significant evolution in their bilateral relationship. This partnership is set against a rapidly changing global landscape, with heightened security concerns in Europe and the Arctic, and a growing emphasis on technological and economic resilience. The joint statement, released by senior ministers from both countries, establishes a framework for cooperation in defense, aerospace, digital innovation, critical minerals, clean energy, and Arctic security.
The timing of this partnership reflects both immediate and long-term strategic calculations. With Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, increased geopolitical competition in the Arctic, and Sweden’s recent accession to NATO, both nations are recalibrating their international alliances. Canada’s pivot toward European partners, amid shifting trade dynamics with the United States, positions this partnership as a cornerstone of its broader foreign policy strategy. The collaboration also highlights the value of shared democratic values, economic complementarity, and a mutual commitment to safeguarding the rules-based international order.
Canada and Sweden’s relationship is grounded in decades of close cooperation across multiple domains. Both countries are northern democracies with shared interests in Arctic affairs, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights. Their collaboration extends through multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, the Arctic Council, and now, NATO. The two nations have consistently supported multilateralism and the rule of law, underpinning their foreign policy objectives with a commitment to democracy and international stability.
The Arctic has been a focal point for cooperation, with both governments working together within the Arctic Council to address climate change, indigenous rights, and regional security. This shared northern identity has fostered a natural partnership, as both countries face similar environmental and security challenges in the High North. Canada’s early and vocal support for Sweden’s NATO membership, becoming the first country to ratify Sweden’s accession, further cemented the trust and strategic alignment between the two nations.
Institutional ties are reinforced by bilateral agreements such as the International Experience Canada Program, which facilitates youth exchanges, and robust diplomatic representation in each country. These foundations have enabled Canada and Sweden to respond quickly and collaboratively to emerging challenges, setting the stage for the 2025 strategic partnership.
Economic relations between Canada and Sweden have grown substantially in recent years, particularly following the implementation of the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Between 2016 and 2024, bilateral merchandise trade increased by 90%, reaching $4.9 billion in 2024. Canada exported $802.5 million in goods to Sweden, while importing $4.1 billion from Sweden. Bilateral services trade reached $1.9 billion in 2023, highlighting complementary strengths in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing.
CETA has played a pivotal role in this growth, eliminating tariffs on key exports and providing a stable, predictable environment for business. For example, tariffs on automotive products, chemicals, plastics, and furniture, previously as high as 15.5%, have been removed, making it easier for businesses to access each other’s markets. In 2023, Sweden’s main exports to Canada included raw copper, packaged medicaments, and refined petroleum, while Canada’s exports to Sweden featured coal briquettes, copper ore, and raw nickel.
The services trade relationship is equally dynamic. Sweden’s exports to Canada in 2020 were valued at $1.19 billion, with significant contributions from personal, cultural, and recreational services, as well as computer and information services. Canada’s services exports to Sweden, though smaller at $111 million, focused on royalties, transportation, and travel. These figures reflect a deepening economic interdependence and set the stage for further collaboration under the new strategic partnership.
“Further strengthening our partnership is more critical than ever as we confront shared global challenges, including Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and the heightened competition in the Arctic.”, Joint Statement, August 2025
The joint statement released in August 2025 formalizes an accelerated cooperation framework between Canada and Sweden. Senior officials from both countries, Canada’s Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly and Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr, alongside Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch and Minister for Defence Pål Jonson, emphasized the urgency of deepening ties in the face of evolving global challenges.
The partnership focuses on several key policy areas: defense industry collaboration (especially in aerospace), digital innovation and AI, nuclear and clean energy technologies, and the development of secure supply chains for critical minerals. This comprehensive approach reflects the interconnected nature of modern security, technological advancement, and economic resilience.
The ministers underscored the complementarity of their countries’ strengths and resources, aiming to deliver economic value and enhanced resilience for their citizens. The partnership is not just about defense or economics, it represents a holistic strategy to address the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century, from geopolitical instability to technological disruption.
Defense and security are at the core of the strategic partnership. Both Canada and Sweden are increasing their defense investments in response to the shifting security environment in Europe and the Arctic. The partnership framework includes joint research and development, interoperability initiatives, and opportunities for defense firms from both countries to collaborate on advanced technologies.
The aerospace sector is a particular area of interest. While Canada’s recent decision to acquire the F-35 Lightning II fighter jets over Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen was notable, ongoing discussions between Canadian officials and Swedish aerospace company Saab indicate continued interest in Swedish capabilities. Saab has also collaborated with Bombardier on surveillance aircraft and expressed interest in further joint projects.
These defense collaborations are further motivated by lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict, which highlighted the importance of robust defense industrial capacity and allied coordination. The partnership provides a framework for ongoing cooperation, regardless of specific procurement decisions, and supports both countries’ efforts to enhance their military readiness and technological edge.
Arctic security is a central pillar of the partnership, reflecting both countries’ geographic interests and strategic imperatives. Canada and Sweden have launched an Arctic security dialogue to deepen coordination, recognizing that vulnerabilities in the Arctic are closely linked to broader European security concerns.
Sweden’s NATO membership has reshaped the alliance’s posture in the High North, strengthening collective security and enabling more integrated responses to emerging threats. NATO’s increased focus on the Arctic, in response to Russia’s military buildup and China’s growing interest in the region, underscores the importance of allied cooperation.
The partnership also addresses the risks posed by Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” operating in Arctic waters. These vessels, used to evade sanctions, have been involved in multiple incidents, including environmental damage and suspected intelligence operations. Coordinated monitoring and joint responses are essential to protect critical infrastructure and maintain stability in the region.
Recognizing the strategic importance of space, the partnership includes a commitment to collaborate on space innovation and Arctic observation. Both countries are investing in sovereign space capabilities, including satellite technology and new launch infrastructure.
Enhanced Arctic observation is vital for environmental monitoring, shipping safety, and security surveillance. The partnership enables joint research, data sharing, and the development of space-based technologies tailored to the unique challenges of the Arctic.
This cooperation also supports NATO’s broader space strategy, allowing Canada and Sweden to align their capabilities with alliance objectives and address potential space-based threats.
The partnership places a strong emphasis on digital innovation, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies. Both countries recognize that technological leadership is essential for economic growth and national security.
Joint efforts will focus on building secure digital infrastructure, sharing best practices for cybersecurity resilience, and promoting responsible development and governance of emerging technologies. Collaboration in AI and quantum research will help both nations stay at the forefront of technological change while safeguarding democratic values and privacy.
These initiatives are particularly relevant given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, as well as the rapid pace of digital transformation across all sectors of the economy.
Secure access to critical minerals is a shared priority, given their importance for clean energy technologies and defense industries. Sweden joined the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance (SCMA) in 2024, further aligning its efforts with Canada and other partners to promote responsible mining and supply chain resilience.
The partnership supports collaboration on sustainable mining, innovation in materials processing, and the development of resilient industrial ecosystems. Canada’s vast mineral resources and Sweden’s advanced processing technologies create synergies that can help both countries reduce dependence on unreliable suppliers and build more sustainable supply chains.
Clean energy cooperation also extends to nuclear technologies, with both nations committed to advancing small modular reactors (SMRs) and other low-carbon solutions. This collaboration addresses both energy security and climate objectives, positioning Canada and Sweden as leaders in the global clean energy transition.
“As a company with a proud legacy of innovation, we recognize international collaboration as a powerful catalyst for advancing aerospace excellence.”, Bombardier, August 2025
The Canada-Sweden strategic partnership represents a forward-looking response to the complex challenges of our time. By deepening cooperation in defense, technology, critical minerals, and Arctic security, both nations are proactively enhancing their resilience and ability to shape the evolving global order. The partnership is grounded in shared values, economic complementarity, and a mutual commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Looking ahead, the partnership is likely to serve as a model for other transatlantic collaborations, demonstrating how like-minded democracies can work together to address security, technological, and environmental challenges. As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, Canada and Sweden’s strategic alignment will remain a key factor in promoting stability, prosperity, and shared democratic values.
What are the main areas of cooperation in the Canada-Sweden strategic partnership?
Why is Arctic security a priority for Canada and Sweden?
How does the partnership address technological innovation?
What is the significance of Sweden’s NATO accession for this partnership?
How does the partnership support clean energy and critical minerals supply chains?
Sources:
Canada and Sweden Forge Strategic Partnership: A Comprehensive Analysis of Enhanced Bilateral Cooperation in Defense, Technology, and Arctic Security
Historical Foundations and Bilateral Relations Context
Economic Trade Relations and Commercial Partnerships
The August 2025 Strategic Partnership Declaration
Defense and Security Cooperation
Arctic Security and Strategic Alignment
Space Cooperation and Arctic Observation
Digital Innovation, Critical Minerals, and Clean Energy
Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies
Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Supply Chains
Conclusion
FAQ
The partnership focuses on defense and aerospace, digital innovation, critical minerals and clean energy supply chains, nuclear technologies, pharmaceutical and life sciences, and Arctic security.
Both countries have significant interests in the Arctic due to their geographic location and climate. The region faces increased competition, environmental challenges, and security threats, especially with Russia’s military activities and the presence of shadow fleets.
The agreement emphasizes collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure, aiming to bolster both countries’ technological competitiveness and resilience.
Sweden’s NATO membership strengthens transatlantic security and enables deeper defense cooperation with Canada, particularly in the Arctic and Baltic regions.
Canada and Sweden are collaborating on responsible mining, materials processing, and the development of nuclear and clean energy technologies, ensuring secure and sustainable supply chains for critical industries.
Government of Canada – Joint Statement,
Government of Canada,
Reuters,
NATO
Photo Credit: AI Generated
Defense & Military
Firehawk Aerospace Expands Rocket Motor Production in Mississippi Facility
Firehawk Aerospace acquires a DCMA-rated facility in Mississippi to boost production of solid rocket motors using 3D-printing technology.
This article is based on an official press release from Firehawk Aerospace.
On December 19, 2025, Firehawk Aerospace announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing capabilities with the acquisition of a specialized defense facility in Crawford, Mississippi. The Dallas-based defense technology company has secured a 20-year lease on the 636-acre site, which was formerly operated by Nammo Talley.
This acquisition marks a strategic pivot for Firehawk as it moves to address critical shortages in the U.S. defense supply chain. By taking over a facility that is already rated by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), the company aims to bypass the lengthy construction and certification timelines typically associated with greenfield defense projects. The site will serve as a hub for the full-system integration of solid rocket motors (SRMs), complementing the company’s existing R&D operations in Texas and energetics production in Oklahoma.
The Crawford facility is located in Lowndes County within Mississippi’s “Golden Triangle” region. According to the company’s announcement, the site is a “turnkey” defense asset designed specifically for handling high-grade explosives and munitions. The infrastructure includes assembly bays protected by one-foot-thick concrete walls and safety “blowout” walls designed to contain accidental detonations.
Because the facility was previously used by Nammo Defense Systems for the high-volume assembly of shoulder-launched munitions, such as the M72 LAW and SMAW systems, it retains the necessary regulatory certifications to allow for rapid operational ramp-up. Firehawk Aerospace CEO Will Edwards emphasized the urgency of this expansion in a statement regarding the deal.
“This acquisition strengthens Firehawk’s ability to address one of the nation’s most urgent defense challenges: rebuilding munition inventories that have been drawn down faster than they can be replaced.”
, Will Edwards, Co-founder and CEO of Firehawk Aerospace
The acquisition comes at a time when the Western defense industrial base is grappling with a severe shortage of solid rocket motors, which power critical systems like the Javelin, Stinger, and GMLRS missiles. Traditional manufacturing methods, which involve casting propellant in large batches that take weeks to cure, have created production bottlenecks.
Firehawk Aerospace intends to disrupt this model by utilizing proprietary 3D-printing technology to manufacture propellant grains. According to the press release, this additive manufacturing approach reduces production times from weeks to hours. The company has explicitly stated that the new Mississippi facility is being designed to achieve a production tempo of “thousands of rockets per month,” a significant increase over legacy industry standards. “While the current industrial base is built to produce thousands of rockets per year, we are building this site… to operate at a much higher production tempo… designing for throughput measured in thousands per month, not years.”
, Will Edwards, CEO
The expansion is expected to bring skilled jobs to the Golden Triangle region, which is increasingly becoming a hub for aerospace and defense activity. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves welcomed the investments, noting the dual benefits of economic growth and national security support.
“Their acquisition in Crawford will bring skilled jobs to the region while directly contributing to the production capacity our nation needs.”
, Tate Reeves, Governor of Mississippi
From R&D to Mass Production: This acquisition signals Firehawk’s transition from a development-focused startup to a volume manufacturer. By securing a pre-rated facility, Firehawk has effectively shaved 2–3 years off its timeline, the period typically required to build and certify a new explosives handling site. This speed is critical given the current geopolitical demand for tactical munitions.
Supply Chain Decentralization: The move also highlights a strategy of decentralization. By distributing operations across Texas (R&D), Oklahoma (Energetics), and now Mississippi (Integration), Firehawk is building a supply chain that may prove more resilient than centralized legacy models. This geographic diversity also allows the company to tap into distinct labor markets and state-level incentives, such as Mississippi’s aerospace initiatives.
What is the significance of the DCMA rating? How does Firehawk’s technology differ from traditional methods? What was the facility used for previously?
Firehawk Aerospace Acquires Mississippi Facility to Scale Rocket Motor Production
Strategic Asset Details
Addressing the “Rocket Motor Crisis”
Regional Economic Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
A DCMA (Defense Contract Management Agency) rating verifies that a facility meets strict Department of Defense quality and safety standards. Acquiring a pre-rated facility allows Firehawk to begin production much faster than if they had to build and certify a new site from scratch.
Traditional solid rocket motors are cast in large batches, a process that requires weeks for the propellant to cure. Firehawk uses 3D-printing technology to print propellant grains, which allows for custom geometries and reduces the manufacturing time to mere hours.
The facility was formerly operated by Nammo Talley (now Nammo Defense Systems) for the assembly of shoulder-launched munitions, including the M72 LAW and SMAW systems.Sources
Photo Credit: Firehawk Aerospace
Defense & Military
20 Years of the F-22 Raptor Operational Capability and Upgrades
Lockheed Martin celebrates 20 years of the F-22 Raptor’s operational service, highlighting its stealth, combat roles, readiness challenges, and modernization.
Lockheed Martin has launched a campaign commemorating the 20th anniversary of the F-22 Raptor achieving Initial Operational Capability (IOC). In December 2005, the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia became the first unit to field the fifth-generation fighter, marking a significant shift in global air superiority.
According to the manufacturer’s announcement, the aircraft continues to define the benchmark for modern air combat. In a statement regarding the milestone, Lockheed Martin emphasized the platform’s enduring relevance:
“The F-22 Raptor sets the global standard for capability, readiness, and mission success.”
While the airframe was designed in the 1990s and first flew in 1997, the F-22 remains a central pillar of U.S. air power. The fleet, which consists of approximately 185 remaining aircraft out of the 195 originally built, has evolved from a pure air superiority fighter into a multi-role platform capable of ground strikes and strategic deterrence.
Since its operational debut, the F-22 has maintained a reputation for dominance, primarily established through high-end military aircraft exercises rather than direct air-to-air combat against manned aircraft.
Data from the U.S. Air Force and independent observers highlights the discrepancy between the Raptor’s exercise performance and its real-world combat engagements. During the 2006 Northern Edge exercise, its first major test after becoming operational, the F-22 reportedly achieved a 108-to-0 kill ratio against simulated adversaries flying F-15s, F-16s, and F/A-18s.
Despite this lethality in training, the aircraft’s combat record is distinct. The F-22 made its combat debut in September 2014 during Operation Inherent Resolve, conducting ground strikes against ISIS targets in Syria. To date, the aircraft has zero confirmed kills against manned enemy aircraft. Its sole air-to-air victory occurred in February 2023, when an F-22 utilized an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile to down a high-altitude Chinese surveillance balloon off the coast of South Carolina.
The primary driver of the F-22’s longevity is its low observable technology. Defense analysts estimate the Raptor’s Radar Cross Section (RCS) to be approximately 0.0001 square meters, roughly the size of a steel marble. This makes it significantly stealthier than the F-35 Lightning II and orders of magnitude harder to detect than foreign competitors like the Russian Su-57 or the Chinese J-20.
While Lockheed Martin’s anniversary campaign highlights “readiness” as a key pillar of the F-22’s legacy, recent Air Force data suggests a more complex reality regarding the fleet’s health. We note that maintaining the world’s premier stealth fighter comes at a steep logistical cost. According to data published by Air & Space Forces Magazine regarding Fiscal Year 2024, the F-22’s mission capable (MC) rate dropped to approximately 40%. This figure represents a decline from roughly 52% in the previous fiscal year and indicates that, at any given time, fewer than half of the Raptors in the inventory are flyable and combat-ready.
This low readiness rate is largely attributed to the fragility of the aircraft’s stealth coatings and the aging avionics of the older airframes. The Air Force has previously attempted to retire 32 older “Block 20” F-22s used for training to divert funds toward newer programs, though Congress has blocked these efforts to preserve fleet numbers. The contrast between the jet’s theoretical dominance and its logistical availability remains a critical challenge for planners.
Contrary to earlier projections that might have seen the F-22 retired in the 2030s, the Air Force is investing heavily to keep the platform viable until the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter comes online.
In 2021, the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $10.9 billion contract for the Advanced Raptor Enhancement and Sustainment (ARES) program. This decade-long modernization effort aims to update the fleet’s hardware and software.
According to budget documents for Fiscal Year 2026, the “Viability” upgrade package includes several key enhancements:
These investments suggest that while the F-22 is celebrating its past 20 years, the Air Force intends to rely on its capabilities well into the next decade.
Sources: Lockheed Martin, U.S. Air Force
Two Decades of the Raptor: Celebrating the F-22’s Operational Milestone
Operational History and Combat Record
Exercise Performance vs. Combat Reality
Stealth Capabilities
AirPro News Analysis: The Readiness Paradox
Modernization and Future Outlook
The ARES Contract and Upgrades
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
U.S. Navy Zero-G Helmet System Completes Critical Design Review
Collins Elbit Vision Systems completes design review for the Zero-G Helmet Display, reducing pilot weight load and enhancing safety for Navy aircraft.
This article is based on an official press release from Collins Elbit Vision Systems (RTX).
Collins Elbit Vision Systems (CEVS), a joint venture between RTX’s Collins Aerospace and Elbit Systems of America, has officially announced the completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Zero-G Helmet Mounted Display System+ (HMDS+). This milestone, finalized on December 12, 2025, marks a pivotal step in the U.S. Navy’s Improved Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (IJHMCS) program.
The successful CDR effectively freezes the system’s design, confirming that the helmet meets the Navy’s rigorous requirements for safety, performance, and platform integration. With the design locked, the program now transitions into the airworthiness testing and integration phase, bringing the system closer to deployment aboard the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets.
According to the press release, the Zero-G HMDS+ is engineered to address long-standing physiological challenges faced by naval aviators while introducing “6th-generation” digital capabilities to existing 4.5-generation aircraft.
The Zero-G HMDS+ represents a significant departure from legacy analog systems. While previous iterations required pilots to physically attach heavy Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) for low-light operations, the new system integrates digital night vision directly into the visor. This integration streamlines cockpit operations and reduces the physical burden on the aircrew.
A primary driver for the Zero-G’s development is the reduction of head-borne weight. High-G maneuvers in fighter aircraft place immense strain on a pilot’s neck and spine, a hazard exacerbated by heavy, unbalanced legacy helmets. CEVS reports that the Zero-G system is more than 25 percent lighter than current market alternatives. Its name is derived from its optimized center of gravity, designed to minimize fatigue and long-term injury risks.
Capt. Joseph Kamara, the U.S. Navy Program Manager for Naval Aircrew Systems (PMA-202), emphasized the safety implications of the new design in a statement:
“Aircrew health and safety is our number one priority. The Zero-G being integrated through our IJHMCS program promises to relieve aircrew of neck and back strain and greatly improve ejection safety.”
Beyond ergonomics, the helmet utilizes a binocular waveguide display system. Unlike monocular reticles used in older models, this technology projects high-definition color symbology and video into both eyes, creating a fully immersive 3D view of the battlespace. The system is capable of “sensor fusion at the edge,” processing mission data and weapon information directly on the helmet to act as a primary flight instrument. Luke Savoie, President and CEO of Elbit Systems of America, highlighted the strategic necessity of this upgrade:
“Zero-G is providing sensor fusion at the edge… As fighter aircraft level-up, the HMDs of those systems need to as well.”
The Zero-G HMDS+ program has moved rapidly since CEVS was awarded a $16 million contract by the U.S. Navy in September 2023 for development and test support. Following the successful CDR in December 2025, the program is scheduled to undergo flight testing and Avionics integration throughout 2026 and 2027.
The U.S. Navy projects Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the system in 2027. Once fielded, it is expected to equip aviators across the entire fleet of U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force Super Hornets and Growlers, totaling more than 750 aircraft.
The completion of the CDR signals a critical maturity point for the Navy’s effort to modernize the human-machine interface in its tactical fleet. While much industry attention is focused on future platforms like NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance), the Zero-G program illustrates the military’s commitment to maintaining the lethality and survivability of its existing backbone fleet.
By adapting technology originally matured for the F-35 Gen III helmet, CEVS is effectively retrofitting advanced situational awareness tools onto older airframes. This approach not only extends the combat relevance of the Super Hornet but also addresses the acute retention issue of pilot physical health. The shift to digital night vision and balanced weight distribution suggests that the Navy views pilot longevity as a critical component of fleet readiness.
Critical Design Review Completed for Navy’s Next-Gen Helmet
Technical Leap: The Zero-G HMDS+
Weight Reduction and Pilot Safety
Advanced Display Capabilities
Program Timeline and Deployment
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: RTX
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