Buying US weapons not a security risk, says Sweden’s PM
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Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said it might be good for Europe to become somewhat less dependent on the US for arms and other defence equipment.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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STOCKHOLM – Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on March 20 that he did not consider buying US weapons a security risk, though he added that it might be good for Europe to become somewhat less dependent on Washington for arms and other defence equipment.
Fellow Nato member Canada has said it relies too much on the US for security, ordering a review of its contract to buy fighter jets
Arriving at a European Union summit in Brussels amid differences over how to boost Ukrainian and European Union military capabilities, Mr Kristersson was asked by reporters whether buying US-produced arms could pose a risk to security.
“No, I would not say that at all. We have good experiences from cooperation with the US defence industry,” he said.
Mr Kristersson also told reporters that he believes the European defence industry needs to become stronger.
“Both the Swedish defence industry and many European countries would do well from being a little less dependent on the US defence industry,” he said.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in Brussels called on leaders to match words of support for Kyiv with deeds as Mr Trump pushes ahead with his efforts to end the war, including through a rapprochement with Russia.
Washington in March briefly cut off intelligence sharing and weapons shipments
