The government has appointed Army Chief Jonny Lindfors as Sweden's new Military Representative to NATO and the EU. He will take up the post on 1 July 2026, succeeding Vice Admiral Jonas Haggren, who has held the role since 2023.
In a press release from the government, it is stated that Lindfors will simultaneously be promoted to Lieutenant General. As Military Representative (Milrep), he will represent Sweden on NATO's Military Committee and the EU Military Committee, and provide military advice to Sweden's NATO Ambassador and the Swedish delegation at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
"Jonny Lindfors has a solid background within the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) and broad experience of international cooperation from his previous posts. These qualities are important as Sweden continues to step up its engagement in defence matters within NATO and the EU," said Defence Minister Pål Jonson in the press release.
In a statement from the Swedish Armed Forces, Supreme Commander Michael Claesson described the post as central to Sweden's work within the alliance.
"The Swedish Armed Forces' Military Representative to NATO and the EU is a key position for Sweden's security and our contribution to Europe and the alliance. I have full confidence that Lieutenant General Jonny Lindfors will take on the assignment with the skill and integrity the role demands," said Claesson.
Lindfors has served as Army Chief since 2023 and has previously held positions including Commander of the Norrbotten Regiment I 19 (northern Sweden), Head of Force Production at the Supreme Headquarters, and has served on operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan.
"I look forward to representing Sweden and the Supreme Commander in two important organisations at the interface between political leadership and the Swedish Armed Forces. My experience from the role of Army Chief, as well as previous roles at Supreme Headquarters and the Defence Commission, means I feel well prepared," said Lindfors, according to the Swedish Armed Forces.
Lindfors has served as Army Chief since the summer of 2023. When he succeeded Karl Engelbrektson, he described his task as leading the army's continued growth, strengthening combat readiness, and preparing the service branch for future NATO membership. Since then, Sweden has become a NATO member and the army has continued its expansion with new units, equipment acquisitions, and increased readiness requirements.
The Milrep post is based at NATO headquarters in Brussels, reports directly to the Supreme Commander, and forms part of the Swedish Armed Forces' senior leadership. A new Army Chief is expected to be appointed in August. According to the government, Sweden currently fills around 250 posts within NATO across Europe and North America.