Michigan National Guard enhances capabilities through alliance with Swedish air force Published April 17, 2024 By Capt. Cammy Alberts and Tech. Sgt. Andrew Schumann Michigan National Guard ALPENA, Mich. (AFNS) -- The Michigan National Guard hosted members of Headquarters U.S. Air Force and the Swedish air force at the National All Domain Warfighting Center April 3-4, solidifying a significant step towards bolstering transatlantic military collaboration. This visit occurred just a month following Sweden's accession into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization March 7, marking a pivotal moment in the alliance's expansion. During the visit to the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, one of the sites which encompass the NADWC, attendees received a comprehensive overview of the Michigan National Guard’s Northern Strike exercise and NADWC’s cutting-edge facilities. These exercises, conducted since 2011, provide a vital platform for international partners and allies to test personnel and equipment across a variety of geographies and in a multi-season environment. Col. David Spehar, Deputy Commander, 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard, addresses visiting members from Headquarters Air Force and the Swedish air force during a visit to the National All Domain Warfighting Center, Grayling, Mich., April 3rd, 2024. The Michigan National Guard hosted members of Headquarters Air Force and Swedish Air Force at the National All Domain Warfighting Center on April 3-4, offering attendees a look at training venues and opportunities offered at the NADWC. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Drew Schumann) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Col. Carl Bergqvist and Lt. Col. Peter Sturesson, Swedish air force, arrive at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Alpena, Mich., for an official visit April 3rd, 2024. The Michigan National Guard hosted members of Headquarters Air Force and Swedish Air Force at the National All Domain Warfighting Center on April 3-4, offering attendees a look at training venues and opportunities offered at the NADWC. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Drew Schumann) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Lt. Col. Peter Sturesson, Swedish air force, exchanges unit patches with members of the Michigan National Guard following an aerial tour of the National All Domain Warfighting Center in Grayling, Mich., April 3, 2024. The Michigan National Guard hosted members of Headquarters Air Force and Swedish Air Force at the National All Domain Warfighting Center on April 3-4, offering attendees a look at training venues and opportunities offered at the NADWC. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Drew Schumann) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The NADWC’s terrain and climate is similar to that of Northern Europe and is capable of hosting opportunities for fifth-generation fighters to train with allies, other aircraft, and service members on the ground. Several of Sweden’s neighboring countries fly the F-35 Lightning II, and training in the NADWC would offer annual opportunities for combined training in support of common defense security goals. "The new relationship between Michigan and Sweden's air forces holds tremendous potential for enhancing our capabilities and readiness," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, the adjutant general of the MING. "By leveraging Sweden's expertise and resources, we can significantly strengthen our collective defense posture." Sweden's primary fighter platform, the SAAB JAS 39 Gripen aircraft, represents a cornerstone of its air force capabilities. While the Gripen serves as the backbone of Sweden's aerial defense, the country is actively pursuing the transition to a next-generation fighter, underscoring its commitment to modernization. "The Swedish Air Force brings a wealth of experience and advanced capabilities to the table," said U.S. Air Force Col. Leah Voelker, 127th Air Refueling Group commander, Michigan Air National Guard. "Through this relationship, we have the opportunity to learn from their expertise and enhance our own training and operational effectiveness." Brig. Gen. Ravi Wagh, Assistant Adjutant General, Army, Michigan National Guard, and Brig. Gen Rolf Mammen, Commander of the Michigan Air National Guard, greet Col. Carl Bergqvist and other members of the Swedish Air Force at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Alpena, Mich., April 3rd, 2024. The visit gave those attending a look at training venues and opportunities offered at the National All Domain Warfighting Center. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Drew Schumann) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, performs a Close Air Support demonstration for a visiting delegation from Headquarters Air Force and the Swedish air force at the Grayling Air Gunnery Range, Chester Twp., Mich., April 3rd, 2024. The Michigan National Guard hosted members of Headquarters Air Force and Swedish Air Force at the National All Domain Warfighting Center on April 3-4, offering attendees a look at training venues and opportunities offered at the NADWC. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Drew Schumann) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Col. Michael Whitefoot, Executive Director, Joint Forces Headquarters Michigan Kelly Johnson Joint All Domain Innovation Center, delivers a presentation on innovation initiatives happening in Michigan to a delegation from Headquarters Air Force and the Swedish air force. The Michigan National Guard hosted members of Headquarters Air Force and Swedish Air Force at the National All Domain Warfighting Center on April 3-4, offering attendees a look at training venues and opportunities offered at the NADWC. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Drew Schumann) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Sweden's emphasis on agile combat employment further enhances the partnership's significance. ACE, a strategic approach aimed at maintaining operational unpredictability and flexibility, aligns closely with Michigan’s innovative ACE training approach, advances NATO's objectives, and underscores Sweden's commitment to enhancing its rapid response capabilities. The MING’s 127th Wing has been pushing the boundaries of training and operationalizing the concept of ACE over the last three years by landing A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft on highways around the world during exercises and quickly launching them back into the air. The 127th Wing’s KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft also validated ACE concepts while demonstrating specialized fuel operations, refueling, and defueling aircraft in tactical environments, known as “hot” refueling and “wet-wing” defueling. "Sweden's expertise in ACE complements our own efforts to adapt and innovate in an evolving security landscape," Voelker said. "By incorporating their insights and best practices into our training regimen, we can better prepare for a wide range of contingencies and threats." Sweden's proven track record in conducting highway landings and takeoffs, as well as its deployment of mobile infrastructure, demonstrates its ability to swiftly deploy and operate from dispersed locations. This mobility-centric approach aligns closely with MING's efforts to enhance its operational agility and responsiveness. Along with ACE concepts, the participants shared discussions on innovation and the importance of modernizing how the military answers global challenges. “We must extend innovation activities to allies and NATO partners such as this event with our Swedish guests,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Brewer, Kelly Johnson Joint All Domain Innovation Center representative and Air Force Futures innovation officer. “Intellectual sharing between the MING and our new NATO partner can help identify requirements and innovative approaches to technology adoption in defense activities.” Lt. Col. Bartley War, Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, Joint Forces Headquarters Michigan Kelly Johnson Joint All Domain Innovation Center, delivers a presentation on innovation initiatives happening in Michigan to a delegation from Headquarters Air Force and the Swedish air force. The Michigan National Guard hosted members of Headquarters Air Force and Swedish Air Force at the National All Domain Warfighting Center on April 3-4, offering attendees a look at training venues and opportunities offered at the NADWC. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Drew Schumann) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The alliance between the MING and the Swedish Air Force represents a significant stride towards enhancing transatlantic military cooperation and readiness. By capitalizing on each other's strengths and capabilities, both organizations stand to benefit greatly, ensuring a more secure and resilient alliance in the face of evolving security challenges. "The collaboration with Sweden opens up new avenues for training and operational synergies," Rogers said. "By leveraging their capabilities and expertise, we can enhance our readiness and ensure we are well-prepared to address the challenges of today and tomorrow." MING is an experienced partner in exercising capabilities alongside NATO allies. Michigan has participated in the Defender Europe exercise series and been a cornerstone of the National Guard State Partnership Program, celebrating 31 years of partnership with Latvia in 2024. “We are excited to welcome NATO’s newest member, Sweden, to the National All-Domain Warfighting Center,” Rogers concluded. “Strengthening our partnerships and the NATO alliance, as we have done with the State Partnership Program over the last 30 years, provides better collective defense and ensures the ideals of democracy and self-determination are perpetual.” U.S. Air Force Logo