On Monday, 9 February 2026, a delegation from the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI – Totalförsvarets forskningsinstitut) visited the NATO Command and Control Centre of Excellence (NATO C2COE) in Utrecht.
Command and Control at the operational level in a military context cannot be overstated, as it is essential to the success of military operations and the achievement of strategic objectives. The Ministry of Defence of Sweden recognizes this and emphasizes the need for rapid Command and Control adaptation within the Armed Forces, as relatively new NATO Nation.
The delegation engaged in discussions on current developments and how to strengthen cooperation. During the visit, both sides exchanged insights and experiences in C2 research, wargaming, doctrine development, Cyber, and the rapid integration of AI in decision-making. Furthermore, the guests were briefed on the mission, responsibilities, and added value of the NATO C2COE within the Alliance.
The NATO C2COE Director, Colonel Mietta Groeneveld (NLD A), highlighted the importance of the visit, stating: “Cooperation with nations and entities like FOI is of great importance, not only for us as a knowledge centre, but also for the NATO Alliance in general. Closing, or even diminishing, the gap between the operational, academic, and industry realms makes our efforts resonate. Only then can we operate to our fullest effect.”
About FOI
The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) is a government agency conducting world-renowned research within the fields of defence and security. Our mission is to generate knowledge and provide specialist support, based on the latest research, to advance and innovate Sweden’s military and civil defence, build resilience in society and meet future defence and security needs.
