MANILA, Philippines – The Embassy of Sweden welcomed its new non-resident defense attache’ to the Philippines, marking a “step forward” in its bilateral defense engagement with the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
In a news release, the Embassy of Sweden announced the appointment of Lieutenant Colonel Anders Nikanorsson as its new defense attache’ to the Philippines, and will serve as a key liaison in advancing Sweden’s strategic engagement in the region.
“I am deeply honored and genuinely excited to take on this assignment. The Philippines holds a pivotal position in the Indo-Pacific, both geographically and strategically,” Lt. Col. Nikanorsson said.
“As a maritime nation committed to international law and regional stability, it is a natural partner for Sweden in promoting a rules-based global order and enhancing security cooperation,” he added.
Sweden has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Anders Nikanorsson as its new non-resident defense attaché to the Philippines, marking a significant step forward in bilateral defense engagement. Currently based in Bangkok, LtCol Nikanorsson will serve as a key liaison in advancing Sweden’s strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. (Image courtesy of Embassy of Sweden in the PH)
Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Anna Ferry extended her greetings to Nikanorsson, highlighting his “extensive experience” as a senior defense officer.
“We are excited to welcome Lt. Col. Nikanorsson to our team. His extensive experience as a senior defense officer significantly strengthens our capacity to engage on critical security and defense issues,” Ambassador Ferry said.
“His presence ensures a direct and informed dialogue with our counterparts in the Philippines—an important and valued partner. This addition deepens our understanding of regional dynamics from both military and strategic perspectives,” she added.
As Sweden is currently intensifying its engagement in the Indo-Pacific as part of its broader defense strategy, it also recognizes the region’s geopolitical significance and its impact on global security and stability, the Embassy mentioned.
Earlier, Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. and Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson met during the 2025 IISS Shangri-la Dialogue on May 31.
During the bilateral meeting, Minister Jonson reaffirmed Sweden’s call for full respect of international law and its engagements to strengthen relations in the Indo-Pacific.
“The security landscape is increasingly contested. To navigate this, Europe and the Indo-Pacific need to understand, commit to, and enhance each other’s security. Sweden comes here to listen and engage,” said Minister Jonson in his remarks at the security conference.
Jonson also underscored that “stronger security begins with stronger partnerships which can be achieved through exercises, joint innovation and industrial cooperation."
“We build trust, resilience and deterrence. These connections make us all safer and make conflict less likely,” he emphasized.
According to the Embassy of Sweden, under the Defense Resolution 2025-2030, Sweden is undertaking the “most substantial reinforcement of the total defense since the Cold War.”
According to the Embassy, Sweden is rapidly rearming in an international context and making major investments in both the civil and the military defense, including top-tier electronic warfare and cyber capabilities.
Reports show that the country’s military defense is being allocated more than SEK 170 billion (appr. PHP 980 billion) and the civil defense more than SEK 37.5 billion (appr. PHP 220 billion), on average, annually from 2025 to 2030.
Military defense expenditures will reach 2.6 per cent of GDP by 2028. A powerful Swedish total defense strengthens the security of both Sweden and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), the Embassy explained.
Sweden’s revitalized universal conscription system, now training over 10,000 conscripts annually, is expected to provide for an organization of approximately 130,000 personnel plus reserves when fully staffed by 2035, the Embassy stated.
