A new deal gives the US military 'unimpeded access' to Sweden's bases — including a vital outpost in the heart of northern Europe

• The US and Sweden signed a defense cooperation agreement on December 6.
• The agreement grants the US access to and use of 17 Swedish facilities, including on Gotland Island.
• Gotland is a strategically valuable outpost in the middle of the Baltic Sea.

On December 6, the US and Sweden signed a defense cooperation agreement that will significantly strengthen their military links and increase US presence in an important region amid heightened tension with Russia.