Foreign Affairs: The Scandinavian Model Of Cooperation Could Help NATO
- 1.11.2026, 12:22
This is a new way to contain Russia.
The Scandinavian countries are creating a closely integrated system of military cooperation that could serve as a model for NATO’s eastern flank amid the growing Russian threat and uncertainty regarding U.S. support. Under this model, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland are integrating their military planning, intelligence, aviation, and logistics. Similar regional alliances could be established in the Baltic and Black Sea regions, writes Foreign Affairs.
One of the most recent examples of cooperation was an operation in August, when, at Finland’s request, Sweden deployed fighter jets and a warship to patrol Finland’s eastern airspace and the waters of the Gulf of Finland. The Swedish forces operated under Finnish command.
Five Northern European countries are also developing a joint air operations concept that will allow them to act as a unified force using approximately 250 modern fighter jets. A unified corridor is being established between the countries for the deployment of military units and equipment.
“The Nordic model provides insight into what adaptive solutions could help NATO during a period of uncertainty,” writes Matti Pesu, a researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs .
The Baltic countries should coordinate their defense plans more closely, conduct joint exercises, pool their air defense missile stocks, and integrate their HIMARS systems. Poland should also be included in this cooperation; it could link its “Eastern Shield” program to strengthen its eastern border with the Baltic defense line.
In the Black Sea region, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey could develop similar cooperation. A joint operation to clear mines from the waters, launched by these countries in 2024, has already served as a first step.
“In extreme circumstances, subregional alliances would serve as a safety net,” the article states. Such alliances would allow countries on the eastern flank to act in concert even if NATO is unable to reach a collective decision quickly.