In December 2023, Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson and his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, signed a defense cooperation agreement (DCA) at the Pentagon, potentially altering a longstanding rule against military force on civilians in Sweden.

Since the Ådalen shootings in 1931, it has been illegal for the military to use force against civilians on Swedish soil.

However, this agreement would allow American military personnel to intervene with civilians around the 17 bases and training areas granted "unrestricted" access by the agreement, under "exceptional circumstances" to maintain or restore security.

The decision process begins in the Swedish parliament soon, with the government assuring that all activities will respect Swedish sovereignty, laws, and international obligations.

The agreement positions the U.

S. military with significant operational freedoms in Sweden, contingent upon Swedish consent.