Cancellation of ACE 2025 Military Exercise Due to U.S. Withdrawal

The ACE 2025 military exercise in Luleå has been canceled due to the withdrawal of U.S. forces, affecting Swedish defense collaboration.

Key Points

  • • ACE 2025 exercise in Luleå canceled due to U.S. withdrawal.
  • • U.S. was scheduled to send 12 fighter jets and 250 personnel.
  • • Denmark also withdrew, impacting the exercise's scale.
  • • Peter Greberg emphasized the importance of U.S. as a defense ally.

The ACE 2025 military exercise scheduled for Luleå has officially been canceled following the withdrawal of U.S. forces, which were set to contribute 12 fighter jets and around 250 personnel. This decision comes after Denmark also opted out, leading to a significant reduction in the exercise's scale. Peter Greberg, flotilla chief at F21 in Luleå, expressed disappointment regarding the U.S. withdrawal, highlighting that the country remains a pivotal ally for Sweden in defense matters. Greberg reassured that despite these setbacks, Sweden values its military cooperation with the U.S. Above all, the exercise was initially planned to involve multiple nations, but restrictions now leave Sweden and Denmark as the primary participants, diminishing the event's intended international collaboration.

Greberg clarified that the U.S.'s inability to engage was due to other commitments, signaling a shift in military training efforts. This cancellation reflects broader concerns regarding international military exercises and the dependence on U.S. participation, underscoring the partnership's critical role in Sweden's defense strategy.