Highlights: Hungary ratifies Sweden's membership in NATO, last country to do so. Some 60% of Swedes support their country's choice to join NATO. Sweden does not fear a direct attack, but that Moscow will one day test the solidity of the Alliance in its neighborhood. It is therefore preparing to become a central logistical link in the defense of NATO's North-Eastern front. The challenge: quickly modernize infrastructure to allow the transport of tanks and hundreds of thousands of soldiers to the Arctic, Finland, or even the Baltic countries.

The last obstacle to Sweden's entry into NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) has been removed. The Hungarian Parliament ratified its application for membership on Monday February 26, after more than…

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NATO: in Östersund, Sweden is preparing a large-scale military hub

The last obstacle to Sweden's entry into NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) has been removed.

The Hungarian Parliament ratified its application for membership on Monday February 26, after more than a year and a half of waiting.

The end of a soap opera for this historically non-aligned country, which wanted to join the alliance after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Sweden has already rethought its defense plans to adapt them to NATO's needs.

Example in Östersund, a small town in the center of the country, destined to become a military hub for the allies.

Listen - 01:23

American soldiers arrive in Östersund, Sweden, during an exercise on April 17, 2023. AP - Pontus Lundahl

By: RFI Follow

With our special correspondent in Östersund

Carlotta Morteo

From North to South, from West to East, all trains lead to Östersund, a rail and road crossroads all the more important because, on the other side of the snow-capped mountains, is Trondheim, in Norway.

“

The ice-free port of Trondheim is a gateway to the Nordic zone for NATO.
This is where huge (NATO) warehouses are located, the American marines and the Norwegian air force headquarters

,” explains Erik Essen, military coordinator for the city.

The challenge: quickly modernize infrastructure to allow the transport of tanks and hundreds of thousands of soldiers to the Arctic, Finland, or even the Baltic countries.

“

What will happen if Russia wins in Ukraine?
What will she do next?
Will she attack the West?

», asks Niklas Daoson, mayor of Östersund.

“

Five years ago, no one would have believed that Sweden could get sucked into a war.
Now it has become a possibility, it can happen.
So we must use the time we have left to rebuild a credible defense, for the country and as a member of NATO

,” he continues.

Some 60% of Swedes support their country's choice to join NATO.

Also listenPrepare for war

Sweden does not fear a direct attack, but that Moscow will one day test the solidity of the Alliance in its neighborhood.

It is therefore preparing to become a central logistical link in the defense of NATO's North-Eastern front.

NATO: in Östersund, Sweden is preparing a large-scale military hub

NATO: in Östersund, Sweden is preparing a large-scale military hub

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