Pål Jonson, present at the press conference via link, states that the focus will be on increasing the operational capability of the combat units.
– This is a trust I am very proud of and will manage with the utmost respect and determination, says Lieutenant General Michael Claesson during the press conference.
– I will assume the role of Supreme Commander on 1 October and will lead the Defence Staff until then. I will do everything to support Supreme Commander Micael Bydén to the utmost, continues Claesson.
On 30 June 2022, the government decided to appoint Michael Claesson, then head of the Operations Staff, as head of the new Defence Staff. The decision was made as part of a larger reorganisation at the Headquarters.
He has been head of the Norrbotten Armoured Battalion at I 19 and the Land Warfare Centre. He has also worked as a military advisor at the Government Offices, such as the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, as well as for Sweden's NATO delegation in Brussels.
Michael Claesson served as contingent commander for the 24th Swedish contingent in the ISAF force in Afghanistan during the years 2012-2013. Additionally, he served as tactical commander for the multinational force Task Force Northern Lights.
Several individuals and organisations welcome the news that the government has chosen Claesson as the new Supreme Commander.
– Very good news for the Armed Forces and for Sweden. I worked for a while under Claesson and he particularly stands out among our senior officers, writes Oscar Jonsson, researcher in war studies at the Swedish Defence University, on X (formerly Twitter).
The industry association Security and Defence Companies, SOFF, welcomes the appointment of Michael Claesson.
– We congratulate Michael Claesson on the appointment. Claesson's broad competence, deep analytical ability, and good way of interacting and collaborating with others are of utmost importance for the authority's continued success and development, says Secretary General Robert Limmergård, and continues:
– At the same time, we want to extend a big thank you to Micael Bydén for the enormously important work that has been carried out during a strained and difficult time. Bydén's leadership has positioned the Armed Forces as a driven and relevant authority, well prepared to meet future challenges.
The Officers' Association notes that a tough task awaits Michael Claesson.
– I really want to congratulate Michael Claesson on the appointment! It is an exciting time to lead a growing Armed Forces. I am convinced that he is the right person for the job. He has our full confidence. I look forward to a new close cooperation in the work ahead, says Stefan Morin, chairman of the Officers' Association in a press release from the association.