The French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has made its inaugural visit to Sweden, passing through Helsingborg on its way to Malmö. Spanning 261.5 meters, it is the world’s largest non-American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Originally expected to arrive in Malmö on Wednesday, authorities have now indicated that it is anticipated to dock on Tuesday afternoon as part of NATO's regular training activities.

Ahead of the visit, the Skåne County Administrative Board has established a preparedness zone and planning zone in Malmö, with radii of two and nine kilometers around the vessel. This measure is designed to facilitate safety protocols in the event of an incident; however, the authority assesses the likelihood of any mishaps as extremely low according to their press release. The presence of such military assets signals a strengthening of defense cooperation within Europe, as noted by the Swedish Armed Forces.

The visit marks a significant moment in international military collaboration and showcases Sweden's involvement in NATO exercises, reinforcing relationships among European nations concerning collective defense strategies. The deployment of the Charles de Gaulle underscores ongoing commitments to regional security amid growing geopolitical tensions, particularly within the Baltic region.