On 24–25 February 2026, the Security of Supply Centre of Excellence (SOSCOE) hosted the Security of Supply Symposium at Bofors Hotel in Karlskoga, bringing together representatives from government, academia, industry, and international organisations to address the growing strategic importance of resilient supply chains in an era of geopolitical competition.
With on-site participation fully booked ahead of the event, the symposium was conducted in a hybrid format enabling both physical and remote attendance. Over two days, participants engaged in discussions focused on the systemic vulnerabilities embedded in global production networks and the implications these carry for defence readiness, economic stability, and societal resilience.
The symposium opened with an introduction by SOSCOE Director Freddy Jönsson Hanberg, followed by Ambassador (ret.) Axel Wernhoff addressing Sweden’s evolving role within NATO as a potential rear area for the Northeastern Flank. Professor Nicole Verrier Crain of the U.S. National Defense University contributed remotely with a presentation on industrial base strategy in an increasingly contested geopolitical environment.
Further sessions included Brigadier General (r) Michael Nilsson presenting on NATO exercises in general and SUPPLY CHALLENGE in particular, and Dr. Arnold C. Dupuy of George Mason University examining NATO-wide gaps and synergies within the Defence Technological and Industrial Base. Mathias Krümel, former CEO and President of PostNord and DHL, also addressed the geopolitical challenges facing the European transport sector.
The second day of the symposium focused on operational and technological dimensions of security of supply. A panel on the autonomization of logistics featured Professor Per Ödling alongside representatives from Logtrade, Nordluft, and Einride. Discussions on critical metals and minerals as both enablers of defence capability and instruments of geopolitical leverage included contributions from Euromines, ECGA, and LKAB.
The symposium concluded with a panel on European battery production in a geopolitical context, featuring speakers from ReCharge, the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre, Dstl, and KLiB, followed by reflections on the security of supply paradox by former Finnish Minister of Defence Stefan Wallin. Final synthesis remarks were delivered by Freddy Jönsson Hanberg, Brigadier General Michael Nilsson, and Karlskoga Mayor Tony Ring.
In parallel with the symposium, SOSCOE convened the Initial Planning Conference for the upcoming NATO exercise SUPPLY CHALLENGE 26, linking strategic dialogue with practical planning efforts to integrate civilian and military logistics under conditions of disruption.
The Security of Supply Symposium represents a key step in SOSCOE’s ongoing mission to support NATO Allies and partners in strengthening the resilience of critical supply chains and sustaining both military operations and essential societal functions in times of crisis and conflict.
