Hubbry Logo
Swedish Armed ForcesSwedish Armed ForcesMain
Open search
Swedish Armed Forces
Community hub
Swedish Armed Forces
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Swedish Armed Forces
Swedish Armed Forces
Swedish Armed Forces
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Swedish Armed Forces
Försvarsmakten
Coat of arms of the Swedish Armed Forces
Armed Forces' coat of arms
War flag and Naval Ensign of Sweden
Founded1521; 504 years ago (1521)
Current form1975; 50 years ago (1975)
Service branches
HeadquartersStockholm
Websiteforsvarsmakten.se
Leadership
Commander-in-ChiefGovernment (Kristersson cabinet)
Minister of Defence Pål Jonson
Chief of Defence Gen Michael Claesson
Personnel
Military age18–47[1]
ConscriptionYes[2][3][4]
Active personnel25,600,[5] 88,000 (total during wartime) 130,000 (total wartime goal 2035)[6][7]
Reserve personnel34,000 (Home guard, part time & reserve officers[5]
Expenditure
Budget148 billion SEK, about $16 billion (2025)[8][9]
Percent of GDP2.4% (2025)[10](2025)[11]
Industry
Domestic suppliersBAE Systems AB
Saab AB
Saab Bofors Dynamics
Saab Kockums
Related articles
HistoryMilitary history of Sweden
RanksMilitary ranks of the Swedish Armed Forces

The Swedish Armed Forces (Swedish: Försvarsmakten ⓘ, literally The Defence Force) are the armed forces of the Kingdom of Sweden. It consists of four separate military branches, the Swedish Army, the Swedish Navy, the Swedish Air Force and the Home Guard.

Sweden's military has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, driven by a rapidly evolving security environment in Europe and its historic decision to join NATO in March 2024.2 This shift has led to substantial increases in defence spending, ambitious personnel expansion plans, and a renewed focus on territorial defence alongside continued international engagement.

The Swedish Armed Forces have a long history, and reached their height in the seventeenth century, during the time of the Swedish Empire, when they participated in a variety of wars; these include the Scanian War, Northern War of 1655–1660, and Great Northern War, among others.[12] Since the nineteenth century, they have also played an important role in the maintenance of Swedish neutrality, especially during the Cold War.

The Swedish Armed Forces consist of 25,600 active personnel, including 9,700 officers, 5,700 enlisted soldiers, and 10,200 civilian employees.[5] Additionally, there are 7,100 reserve officers and 4,700 part-time enlisted soldiers, along with 22,200 soldiers in the Home Guard.[5] As of 2023, 6,300 conscripts undergo military training annually, set to increase to 8,000 by 2025. In wartime, the total personnel is estimated to be 88,000, including all regularly employed personnel, reservists, and conscripts.[6]

Units of the Swedish Armed Forces are currently on or have taken part in several international operations either actively or as military observers, including Afghanistan as part of the Resolute Support Mission and in Kosovo (as part of Kosovo Force).[13] Moreover, the Swedish Armed Forces contribute as the leading state for a European Union Battlegroup approximately once every three years through the Nordic Battlegroup. Prior to 2024 Sweden had close relations with NATO and NATO members, and participates in training exercises like the Admiral Pitka Recon Challenge, and Exercise Trident Juncture 2018. In 2024, the country formally became a member of NATO.[14] Sweden also has a strong cooperation with its closest allies of the Nordic countries, being part of the Nordic Defence Cooperation, Joint Expeditionary Force, and joint exercises such as Exercise Northern Wind.

Sweden has not participated in an officially declared war since the 1814 Swedish–Norwegian War, although its forces, under the UN flag, have been involved in such conflicts as the Congo Crisis and the military intervention in Libya.

Equipment

[edit]
Main article: List of equipment of the Swedish Armed Forces

The Swedish army has 121 tanks (Leopard 2/Strv 122), roughly 1,540 APCs (Patria XA-360/203/180, RG-32 Scout, Bv410, Bv308/309), 450 IFVs (CV9040), 11,300 utility vehicles (ex. Bv206/208, MB G-Class 6x6 and 4x4, MB sprinter), 84 towed and 40 self-propelled mortar (12 cm grk m/41, grkpbv90) and 26 self-propelled artillery guns (Archer). It also consists of several different specialized vehicles.

The Swedish Navy has a total of 387 ships, including 4 submarines (3 Gotland, 1 Södermanland), 7 corvettes (5 Visby, 2 Gävle), 9 minesweepers (5 Koster, 4 Styrsö), 13 larger patrol boats (2 Stockholm and 11 Tapper) and 9 specialised ships with different support duties. The rest is made up of different smaller vessels such as the CB90.

Currently the Swedish Airforce has a total of 210 aircraft, 94 of those being JAS39C/D Gripen (60 JAS39E on order), 6 C130H Hercules (1 with aerial refueling capabilities), 4 SAAB 340 (2 AEW&C and 2 VIP transport), 4 Gulfstream IV (2 SIGINT and 2 VIP transport) as well as 15 UH-60 Blackhawk, 18 NH90 and 20 AgustaWestland helicopters. The rest is made up of different transport and trainer aircraft.

History

[edit]
Main articles: Military history of Sweden and Caroleans

The history of the Swedish Armed Forces dates back to the early sixteenth century, when they were founded by the newly crowned monarch Gustav I Vasa. Since then, they have played an important role in the history of Sweden; they have been engaged in numerous conflicts since their founding.

It was in the seventeenth century that the Swedish Armed Forces reached their height, during the time of the Swedish Empire. During this time, they were among the leaders in military innovation, and engaged in many wars; among the Swedish wars of the seventeenth century were the Thirty Years' War, Second Northern War, Scanian War and Great Northern War. The military of the Swedish Empire was one of the most important institutions in the empire.[15]

After a period of enhanced readiness during World War I, the Swedish Armed Forces were subject to severe downsizing during the interwar years. When World War II started, a large rearmament program was launched to once again guard Swedish neutrality, relying on mass male conscription as a source for personnel.

After World War II, Sweden considered building nuclear weapons to deter a Soviet invasion. From 1945 to 1972 the Swedish government ran a clandestine nuclear weapons program under the guise of civilian defence research at the Swedish National Defence Research Institute. By the late 1950s, the work had reached the point where underground testing was feasible. However, at that time the Riksdag prohibited research and development of nuclear weapons, pledging that research should be done only for the purpose of defence against nuclear attack. The option to continue development was abandoned in 1966, and Sweden subsequently signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1968; the program was finally concluded in 1972.

During the Cold War, the wartime mass conscription system was kept in place to act as a deterrent to the Soviet Union, seen as the greatest military threat to Sweden. The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union meant that the perceived threat lessened and the armed forces were downsized, with conscription taking in fewer and fewer recruits until it was deactivated in 2010. This small size is often considered one of the major strategic weaknesses of the Swedish Armed Forces.[16]

The Russo-Georgian War of 2008 and the events in Ukraine in 2014 gradually shifted Swedish debate back in favour of increased defence spending, as concerns grew over Russia's military buildup and intentions. Conscription was reintroduced in 2017 to supplement the insufficient number of volunteers signing up for service. Unlike in the past, the current conscription system applies to both men and women.

Following the United Kingdom leaving the European Union in 2020, the EU's mutual defence clause (Lisbon Treaty Article 42.7) ceased to apply to the UK. In 2022, Sweden and the UK signed a mutual security deal, re-pledging support if either state is attacked.[17][18]

On June 29, 2022, Finland and Sweden were formally invited to become members of NATO,[19] and joined respectively in 2023 and 2024.

Doctrine

[edit]
Main article: Foreign relations of Sweden

The Swedish Armed Forces have four main tasks:[20]

  1. To assert the territorial integrity of Sweden.
  2. To defend the country if attacked by a foreign nation.
  3. To support the civil community in case of disasters (e.g. flooding).
  4. To deploy forces to international peace support operations.

Sweden aims to have the option of remaining neutral in case of proximate war.[21] However, Sweden cooperates militarily with a number of foreign countries. As a member state of the European Union, Sweden is acting as the leading state for EU Battlegroups[22] and also has a close cooperation, including joint exercises, with NATO through its membership in Partnership for Peace and Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council.[23] In 2008 a partnership was initiated between the Nordic countries to, among other things, increase the capability of joint action, and this led to the creation of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO).[24][25] As a response to the expanded military cooperation the defence proposition of 2009 stated that Sweden will not remain passive if a Nordic country or a member state of the European Union were attacked.[26]

Recent political decisions have strongly emphasized the capability to participate in international operations, to the point where this has become the main short-term goal of training and equipment acquisition.[27][28][29] However, after the 2008 South Ossetia war territorial defence was once again emphasized. Until then most units could not be mobilized within one year. In 2009 the Minister for Defence stated that in the future all of the armed forces must be capable of fully mobilizing within one week.[30]

In 2013, after Russian air exercises in close proximity to the Swedish border were widely reported, only six percent of Swedes expressed confidence in the ability of the nation to defend itself.[31]

Organisation

[edit]
class=notpageimage|
Swedish Armed Forces main bases 2024
Naval Base Air Base Infantry Base Mechanized Infantry Base
Cavalry Base Artillery Base Air Defence Base Engineer Base
The Swedish multirole fighter, the Saab JAS 39 Gripen.
NH90 of the Swedish Armed Forces
The Swedish Visby class corvette.
The Infantry fighting vehicle CV 90 produced and used by Sweden.

The Chief of Defence, formerly the Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces (Swedish: Överbefälhavaren, ÖB), is a four-star general or flag officer who is the agency head of the Swedish Armed Forces and the highest ranking professional officer on active duty. The Chief of Defence reports, normally through the Minister of Defence, to the Government of Sweden, which in turn answers to the Riksdag. The current chief of defence is General Michael Claesson.[32]

Before the enactment of the 1974 Instrument of Government, the King of Sweden was the de jure commander in chief (Swedish: högste befälhavare). Since then, King Carl XVI Gustaf is still considered to hold the honorary ranks of general and admiral à la suite, but the role is entirely ceremonial.[33]

The Swedish Armed Forces consists of three service branches; the Army, the Air Force and the Navy, with addition of the military reserve force Home Guard. Since 1994, the first three service branches are organized within a single unified government agency, headed by the Chief of Defence, while the Home Guard reports directly to the chief. However, the services maintain their separate identities through the use of different uniforms, ranks, and other service specific traditions.

Armed Forces Headquarters

[edit]

The Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters is the highest level of command in the Swedish Armed Forces.[34] It is led by the Chief of Defence (formerly the Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces) with a civilian director-general as his deputy, with functional directorates having different responsibilities (e.g. the Military Intelligence and Security Service). Overall, the Armed Forces Headquarters has about 2,100 employees, including civilian personnel.[35][36]

Schools

[edit]

Some of the schools listed below answer to other units, listed under the various branches of the Armed Forces:

Centres

[edit]

Nordic Battlegroup

[edit]

The Nordic Battlegroup is a cooperative formation of the Swedish Armed Forces alongside mainly the other Nordic countries but also some of the Baltic countries as well as Ireland, tasked as one of the EU Battlegroups. The headquarter garrison for this group is currently situated in Enköping, Sweden.

International deployments

[edit]

Sweden is part of the multinational Kosovo Force and has a naval force deployed to the gulf of Aden as a part of Operation Atalanta. Military observers from Sweden have been sent to a large number of countries, including Georgia, Lebanon, Israel and Sri Lanka and Sweden also participates with staff officers to missions in Sudan and Chad. Sweden has been one of the Peacekeeping nations of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission that is tasked with overseeing the truce in the Korean Demilitarized Zone since the Korean war ended in 1953.[39] It was revealed in 2025 that Sweden was assisting the US in Somalia, primarily in regards to identification of killed and captured terrorists.[40]

Past deployments

[edit]

Swedish air and ground forces saw combat during the Congo Crisis, as part of the United Nations Operation in the Congo force. Nine army battalions were sent in all, and their mission lasted from 1960 to 1964.

A battalion and other units were deployed with the NATO-led peacekeeping SFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1996–2000), following the Bosnian War. NORDBAT 2 has been studied as an example of mission command on a chaotic battlefield with conflicting national orders.

Sweden had military forces deployed in Afghanistan with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (2002–2014), and the subsequent Resolute Support Mission (2015–2021), which ended when all NATO troops were withdrawn after 20 years of action.

Personnel

[edit]

From national service to an all-volunteer force

[edit]

In mid-1995, with the national service system based on universal military training, the Swedish Army consisted of 15 maneuver brigades and, in addition, 100 battalions of various sorts (artillery, engineers, rangers, air defence, amphibious, security, surveillance etc.) with a mobilisation-time of between one and two days. When national service was replaced by a selective service system, fewer and fewer young men were drafted due to the reduction in size of the armed forces. By 2010 the Swedish Army had two battalions that could be mobilized within 90 days. When the volunteer system had been fully implemented by 2019, the army consisted of 7 maneuver battalions and 14 battalions of various sorts with a readiness of one week. The Home Guard was reduced in size to 22,000 soldiers.[41] In 2019 the Swedish Armed Forces, now with a restored national service system combined with volunteer forces, aimed to reach 3 brigades as maneuver units by 2025.[42]

National Service Force 1995 Selective Service Force 2010 All-Volunteer Force 2019 Selective Service Force/Volunteer Force 2025
Maneuver units 15 brigades 2 battalions 7 battalions 3 brigades
Auxiliary units 100 battalions 4 companies 14 battalions ?
Readiness 1 to 2 days 90 days 7 days ?

Re-implementing conscription

[edit]

After having ended the universal male conscription system in 2010, as well as deactivating conscription in peacetime, the conscription system was re-activated in 2017. Since 2018 both women and men are conscripted on equal terms.[43] The motivation behind reactivating conscription was the need for personnel, as volunteer numbers proved to be insufficient to maintain the armed forces.[43][44]

The Swedish defence forces are currently educating 5,000-6,000 conscripts per year.[45] However, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the defence forces stated that there is a need for significantly more than the current.[46] By December 2022, it was announced to increase the yearly conscripted to 10,000 by the end of 2035.[47] In addition, figures from 2022 show that 79% of Swedes support in some form, an increase in the number of people who are conscripted. 47% of the respondents said that the majority of 19/20 year-olds should perform conscription.[48]

Personnel structure

[edit]
Swedish soldier during an exercise in California, 2007.

Military personnel of the Swedish Armed Forces consists of:

  • Officer OFF/K – Regular continuously serving officers (OF1-OF9).
  • Officer OFF/T – Reserve part-time officers (OF1-OF3).
  • Specialistofficer SO/K – Regular continuously serving NCO (OR6-OR9).
  • Specialistofficer SO/T – Reserve part-time serving NCO (OR6-OR7).
  • GSS/K – Regular continuously serving enlisted (OR1-OR5).
  • GSS/T – Reserve part-time serving enlisted (OR1-OR5).
  • GSS/P – Personnel in wartime placement (OR1-OR5).

K = Continuously

T = Part-time

Swedish soldier firing a rifle in Denmark, 2016.

P = Conscript, for personnel drafted under the Swedish law of comprehensive defence duty

Planned size of the Swedish Armed Forces 2011–2020

[edit]
Category Continuously serving Part-time serving Contracted
OFF 3,900 OFF/K 2,600 OFF/T –
SO 4,900 SO/K included in the above SO/T –
GSS 6,600 GSS/K 9,500 GSS/T –
Home Guard – – 22,000
Chart showing the size of the Swedish Armed Forces 1965–2010. Yellow = number of air wings; Blue = number of infantry regiments; Red = number of artillery regiments; Green = number of coastal artillery and amphibious regiments.

Annual recruitment of GSS is assumed to be about 4,000 persons.[49]

Criticism and research

[edit]

In 2008, professor Mats Alvesson of the University of Lund and Karl Ydén of the University of Gothenburg claimed in an op-ed, based on Ydén's doctoral dissertation, that a large part of the officer corps of the Swedish Armed Forces was preoccupied with administrative tasks instead of training soldiers or partaking in international operations. They claimed that Swedish officers were mainly focused on climbing the ranks and thereby increasing their wages and that the main way of doing this is to take more training courses, which decreases the number of officers that are specialized in their field. Therefore, the authors claimed, the Swedish Armed Forces were poorly prepared for their mission.[50] Major changes have been made to the officer system since then.[citation needed]

The transformation of the old invasion defence-oriented armed forces to the new smaller and more mobile force has also been criticized. According to the Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces the present defence budget will not be enough to implement the new defence structure by 2019. And that even when finished the armed forces will only be able to fight for a week at most.[51]

During 2013 several Russian Air Force exercises over the Baltic Sea aimed at Swedish military targets have made the future of the Swedish Armed Forces a hot topic and several political parties now want to increase defence funding.[52][53][54] In August 2019, the government announced a bank tax to fund the military spending.[55]

Ranks

[edit]
Gen. Michael Claesson, the Chef of Defence of the Swedish Armed Forces.
Main article: Military ranks of the Swedish Armed Forces

When an army based on national service (conscription) was introduced in 1901 all commissioned officers had ranks that were senior of the warrant officers (underofficerare) and non-commissioned officers (underbefäl). In a reform 1926 the relative rank of the then senior warrant officer, fanjunkare, was increased to be equal with the junior officer rank underlöjtnant and above the most junior officer rank fänrik. In 1960 the relative rank of the warrant officers were elevated further so that

In 1972 the personnel structure changed, reflecting increased responsibilities of warrant and non-commissioned officers, renaming the underofficerare as kompaniofficerare, giving them the same ranks as company grade officers (fänrik, löjtnant, kapten). Underbefäl was renamed plutonsofficerare and given the rank titles of sergeant and fanjunkare, although their relative rank were now placed below fänrik. The commissioned officers were renamed regementsofficerare, beginning with löjtnant. The three-track career system was maintained, as well as three separate messes.

A major change in the personnel structure in 1983 (NBO 1983), merged the three professional corps of platoon officers, company officers, and regimental officers into a one-track career system within a single corps called professional officers (yrkesofficerare). The three messes were also merged to one.

In 2008 the Riksdag decided to create a two-track career system with a category called specialistofficerare. When implementing the parliamentary resolution the Supreme Commander decided that some ranks in this category should, like the old underofficerare ranks in 1960–1972, have a relative rank higher than the most junior officers.

Planned expansion

[edit]

Budget and personnel numbers

[edit]

The Swedish government has decided to increase the military budget to 2.6 percent of GDP by 2028. Furthermore, by 2030, they plan to increase the number of conscripts to 10,000 and to have a standing force of four brigades. In 2027, the budget for military research will increase by 50% to 1.6 billion SEK. By 2030, the number of employees is expected to increase to 115,000, and to 130,000 by 2035.[56][57]

Planned military budget[58]

Year Budget SEK
2025 2.4% of BNP 143 Billion
2027 2.5% of BNP 156 Billion
2028 2.6% of BNP 173 Billion
2028 2.6% of BNP 186 Billion

Equipment purchases

[edit]

Sweden has also put an order on 44 Leopard 2 tanks and will renovate 66 of the ones they have in their current arsenal (for 22 billion SEK). Alongside these renovations, they will also modernise their Combat Vehicle 90 vehicles (until 2030). Furthermore, the armed forces have placed an order for 575 trucks from Scania and Volvo. They will cost approximately 1.4 billion SEK and are expected to be delivered between 2025 and 2026. An effort to modernize the army's firearms was made in 2023 by purchasing a large quantity of weapons in collaboration with Finland from the Finnish manufacturer Sako. The weapons will be delivered during a 10 year period. [59][60][61]

The Swedish Navy has placed an order for two new working ships from Astilleros Armon Vigo SA. They are expected to be delivered between 2027 and 2028 and are intended to replace HMS Pelikanen and HMS Furusund. The Swedish fleet of Stridsbåt 90s will also be strengthened, with 10 units ordered from Saab in 2024 for approximately 400 million SEK.[62][63]

Other government agencies reporting to the Ministry of Defence

[edit]
Main article: Government agencies in Sweden

Voluntary defence organisations

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Swedish Armed Forces

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

The Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) are the military organization responsible for the defense of Sweden's territory, population, and interests, operating as a government authority under parliamentary control and led by the Supreme Commander. Composed of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Home Guard, the forces maintain capabilities for national deterrence, territorial integrity, and support to international operations, with a focus on high-technology systems adapted to Sweden's geographic and strategic context in Northern Europe. Sweden's military policy historically emphasized armed neutrality for over two centuries, but accession to on 7 March 2024 integrated the Armed Forces into alliance commitments, enhancing interoperability and collective defense amid heightened regional threats from Russian actions in and the Baltic area. This shift prompted a defense buildup, including reintroduction of in 2017 and plans to expand wartime organization to approximately 130,000 personnel by incorporating reserves and enhanced training. The 2025 budget allocates 138 billion SEK (about 2.4% of GDP), prioritizing acquisitions in air defense, naval vessels, and ground systems to address prior underinvestment that had eroded readiness. Defining characteristics include indigenous innovations such as the multirole fighter and advanced submarine fleet for operations, alongside participation in UN since the 1950s, though capabilities have faced scrutiny for gaps in volume and sustainment relative to peer threats. The provides rapid territorial response with volunteer units, complementing regular forces in total defense doctrine that mobilizes civilian resources for war.

History

Formation and Early Development

The Swedish armed forces trace their origins to the early 16th century, when King established a permanent following the against (1521–1523). This marked a shift from reliance on feudal levies and forces to a more structured national military, initiated during peacetime to ensure readiness against external threats. The (indelningsverk), introduced under Vasa, assigned individual soldiers to specific farms or estates that provided their maintenance in exchange for service, creating a cost-effective framework for sustaining troops without large standing garrisons. Under (r. 1611–1632), the forces underwent significant modernization, including the adoption of linear tactics, mobile artillery integration, and standardized regimental organization, which enabled Sweden's expansion into a Baltic during the (1618–1648). These reforms emphasized disciplined infantry formations supported by cavalry and field guns, contributing to victories such as Breitenfeld in 1631, where Swedish forces numbered around 23,000 against a larger Imperial army. The navy also developed concurrently, with Vasa-era shipbuilding efforts evolving into a fleet capable of projecting power, though early wooden warships like the Vasa (launched 1628) highlighted initial technical challenges. Further institutionalization occurred in the late under Charles XI (r. 1660–1697), who formalized the in 1682–1685 through the indelningsverk, reorganizing the army into permanent regiments tied to territorial districts across the kingdom and conquered provinces. This created a uniform structure of approximately 40 and 8 regiments by the 1690s, totaling over 30,000 soldiers in peacetime, financed by land allocations that reduced dependence on taxation spikes during wars. The system prioritized defensive mobilization and regional loyalty, reflecting Sweden's strategic vulnerabilities as a northern power reliant on conscripted yeomen rather than professional mercenaries.

Neutrality During World War II

Sweden proclaimed its neutrality on September 1, 1939, immediately following the German , committing the Swedish Armed Forces to defend against any violation without engaging in offensive operations. This stance necessitated rapid defensive enhancements, including the of coastal defenses, expansion of air defenses, and stockpiling of resources to counter potential threats from or the , both of which had demonstrated expansionist ambitions in the region. The forces maintained a high state of readiness, emphasizing deterrence through visible military strength rather than commitments. In response to the German invasions of and commencing April 9, 1940, mobilized its entire military establishment, deploying up to 400,000 personnel along vulnerable borders and key transit routes to signal resolve against incursions. This mobilization, coupled with a five-year rearmament program initiated that year, focused on bolstering , assets—reaching around 800 —and naval capabilities to protect iron ore shipping lanes in the Baltic and Norwegian coasts. Despite these preparations, the armed forces avoided direct combat, instead conducting surveillance and enforcement of neutrality laws, such as interning escaped Allied personnel while permitting limited humanitarian evacuations of Norwegian and Danish refugees. Pragmatic concessions marked Sweden's neutrality enforcement, particularly toward , the dominant regional power. On July 8, 1940, Sweden agreed to a transit pact allowing German troops, including the 163rd Division with heavy weaponry, to move by rail from to for operations against the , totaling over 2.1 million soldiers and vast shipments through 1943. "Permittenttrafik" further enabled up to 100,000 German leave personnel annually to cross until halted in amid shifting Allied pressure. These arrangements, justified by Swedish leaders as essential to avert —given 's prior threats and occupation of neighbors—prioritized survival over strict impartiality, while the armed forces provided security for transits without active participation. Economic support intertwined with military policy, as Sweden continued exporting high-grade —averaging 10-11 million tons yearly to from 1939-1944, comprising about 40% of Nazi production inputs despite Allied blockades and diplomatic protests. The armed forces indirectly facilitated this by safeguarding ports like Narvik routes early in the war, though naval patrols enforced neutrality against belligerent shipping violations. By mid-1944, as Allied advances eroded German leverage, Sweden restricted further German air transits on and permitted limited Allied overflights, reflecting adaptive deterrence aligned with evolving power balances. This flexibility preserved Swedish , with commencing only after Germany's capitulation in May 1945.

Cold War Defense Buildup

During the immediate postwar period, Sweden intensified its military preparations in response to perceived threats from Soviet expansionism in and the , adopting a policy of armed neutrality that emphasized self-reliant territorial defense. This involved significant expansion of and reserve forces, with the armed forces growing to include approximately 850,000 conscripts by the late , supplemented by 60,000 professional personnel and over 100,000 volunteers. The buildup accelerated through the and , reaching peak mobilizable strength of around 850,000 personnel by the mid-, supported by substantial investments in equipment such as 1,000 aircraft and 1,500 combat vehicles. Central to this era was the development of the "total defense" doctrine, formalized in the postwar years, which integrated military defense with comprehensive civil preparedness to engage the entire population and economy in resisting invasion without external aid. This concept, rooted in preparations dating to the 1940s but expanded during the Cold War, encompassed not only armed forces but also societal mobilization, including fortified infrastructure, psychological defense against propaganda, and economic stockpiling to withstand prolonged conflict. By the 1960s, the doctrine underpinned a structure capable of fielding 36 army brigades focused on delaying tactics in northern terrain, a navy with 33 major surface combatants and 24 submarines for Baltic operations, and an air force organized into 50 divisions emphasizing air superiority and ground support. Conscription reforms in 1965 shifted to an extensive system, mandating service for most able-bodied men and enabling rapid mobilization, while defense spending prioritized indigenous production to maintain technological independence. Early efforts included a covert nuclear weapons program initiated in the , which advanced to prototype stages but was abandoned by 1972 amid international pressures and shifting priorities toward conventional capabilities like the fighter (introduced 1960) and advanced submarine designs. The strategy assumed a Soviet would prioritize seizing key northern areas for airbases and resources, prompting fortified defenses such as underground facilities and alpine brigades trained for guerrilla-style resistance. This buildup sustained high readiness levels through the , with expenditure consistently prioritizing deterrence over projection, though fiscal strains from welfare expansions began moderating growth by decade's end. Sweden's approach demonstrated causal effectiveness in preserving neutrality, as empirical records show no direct incursions despite regional tensions, attributing resilience to the integrated total defense framework rather than alliances.

Post-Cold War Restructuring and Downsizing

Following the in , Swedish policymakers assessed the threat environment as significantly diminished, prompting a series of defense resolutions that prioritized fiscal restraint and a "" over maintaining Cold War-era force levels. The 1992 defense decision initiated cuts to personnel and equipment, reducing the emphasis on large-scale territorial defense in favor of smaller, more flexible units oriented toward international operations. By the mid-1990s, dual defense bills in 1995 and 1996 formally discontinued comprehensive total defense planning, which had integrated military, civil, and psychological preparedness, and redirected resources toward expeditionary capabilities compatible with UN and EU missions. Military expenditure as a share of GDP fell from approximately 2.5% in 1990 to around 1.9% by , reflecting stagnating absolute spending amid and deliberate policy choices to reallocate funds to welfare and other domestic priorities. Active-duty personnel numbers declined sharply, with the armed forces shrinking from over 60,000 full-time equivalents in the early to about 27,000 by , while annual conscript slots were halved from roughly 50,000 to 30,000. Several regiments and bases were closed, including reductions in mechanized brigades from 13 wartime formations in the late to fewer than 5 operational brigades by the early , streamlining the army into a lighter, brigade-centric structure. These changes professionalized elements of the force but strained maintenance and unit cohesion due to underfunding. The 2000 Defense Act marked the most extensive reorganization to date, consolidating commands, eliminating redundant headquarters, and further emphasizing volunteer for international deployments over . persisted but with progressively fewer inductees, as the policy shifted toward an all-volunteer model to align with NATO-compatible standards and reduce peacetime burdens. By 2009, cumulative personnel costs had dropped 23% since 1999, enabling deployments to missions in and but eroding domestic territorial readiness. Full suspension of mandatory took effect on July 1, 2010, transitioning to a smaller force of around 20,000-30,000 personnel, justified by low needs and perceived obsolescence of mass in a post-Cold War context. This downsizing, driven by budgetary pressures and a doctrinal pivot to global , left Sweden with capabilities ill-suited for high-intensity peer conflicts, as later assessments revealed gaps in sustainment and volume.

Revival and NATO Integration (2014–Present)

Following Russia's annexation of in 2014, Sweden initiated a revival of its armed forces amid heightened concerns over regional threats from Russian military activities in the and . This prompted the government to announce increased defense appropriations, marking the start of a multi-year buildup that included investments in personnel, equipment, and infrastructure to restore credible deterrence capabilities. By 2016, military expenditures for the 2016–2020 period were raised by 15 billion Swedish kronor (SEK), equivalent to approximately $1.8 billion at the time, focusing on enhancing operational readiness and territorial defense. A key milestone occurred on , 2017, when the Swedish parliament approved the reintroduction of selective military , effective July 1, citing the voluntary system's inability to meet needs amid a deteriorating European security environment, particularly Russian submarine incursions near Swedish waters and hybrid threats. Unlike the universal draft of the era, the new system targets about 8,000 conscripts annually—roughly 7% of each age cohort—selected based on aptitude, health, and motivation, with equal obligations for men and women; this gender-neutral approach addressed manpower shortages while aligning with Sweden's emphasis on total defense, encompassing military and civilian resilience. The policy has since expanded, with conscription volumes increasing to support brigade-level formations and specialized units. Defense budgets continued to rise steadily, with cumulative increases from 2014 to 2025 projected to reach up to 85% in real terms, driven by procurements such as new Gripen fighters, , and artillery systems. By 2020, plans called for a 40% hike over the subsequent years to rebuild territorial defense eroded during post-Cold War downsizing. In 2024, expenditures hit approximately 2.4% of GDP, exceeding NATO's 2% guideline, with further boosts announced: an additional 13 billion SEK from 2024 to 2025, and a proposed 18% increase for 2026 to 2.8% of GDP, totaling around 300 billion SEK ($30 billion) over the decade to 2035. These funds prioritize high-end capabilities like air defense and , reflecting a shift from expeditionary focus to hybrid and conventional threats. Russia's full-scale invasion of in February 2022 accelerated Sweden's pivot toward integration, prompting a formal membership application on May 17, 2022, alongside , abandoning two centuries of non-alignment policy. Accession protocols were signed in summer 2022, with ratifications progressing amid delays from over counter-terrorism concerns and Hungary's procedural hurdles; Sweden addressed these through enhanced bilateral cooperation, including arms sales and intelligence sharing. Sweden officially joined as its 32nd member on March 7, 2024, after depositing its , enabling full participation in alliance command structures, joint exercises like , and collective defense under Article 5. Since accession, Sweden has integrated into NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in the and committed forces to alliance missions, while domestic reforms emphasize with NATO standards, such as standardized logistics and cyber defenses. This period has seen the armed forces grow to over 50,000 active personnel plus reserves, with ongoing investments—described by officials as the largest relative expansion since the —aimed at countering aggression through credible mass and advanced technology, though challenges persist in recruitment retention and industrial capacity amid global supply constraints.

Doctrine and Strategic Orientation

Evolution of Defensive Posture

During the era, Sweden's defensive posture was anchored in a policy of armed neutrality, prioritizing territorial defense against potential aggression from the , particularly along the northern flank. This approach relied on a large conscript-based force, extensive fortifications, and a total defense concept that integrated military, civil, and societal resources to withstand invasion and disruption for up to 30 days until potential external assistance arrived. Military expenditures reached approximately 3-4% of GDP, supporting capabilities like in the and air defenses tailored for homeland protection. Following the Soviet Union's dissolution in , Sweden's perceived security threats declined, prompting a strategic pivot toward international and operations, with a corresponding downsizing of national defense capabilities. was gradually phased out, fully suspended by 2010, and force structure was reduced from over 600,000 personnel in the to around 30,000 active troops by the mid-2000s, emphasizing a smaller, professional force interoperable with and partners. Military spending fell to below 1.2% of GDP by the early , reflecting optimism about a "" and reduced emphasis on territorial denial in favor of expeditionary roles. Russia's 2014 annexation of and subsequent incursions, including the October 2014 submarine incident in Stockholm's , catalyzed a reevaluation, leading to the revival of total defense principles through the 2015 Defense Bill, which identified bolstering warfighting and societal resilience as paramount. was reinstated in July 2017 for select youth, aiming to expand trained reserves to 30,000 annually by the mid-2020s, while the December 2015 policy formally reintroduced whole-of-society . Defense spending rose progressively, from 1.01% of GDP in 2014 to 1.47% in 2023, with commitments to reach NATO's 2% target, including SEK 170 billion allocated to military defense in the 2025-2030 resolution. Sweden's accession to on March 7, 2024, marked a doctrinal shift from non-alignment to collective defense, yet the core defensive posture remains focused on , deterrence through enhanced capabilities like long-range strikes and , and reinvigorated civil-military integration to counter hybrid threats. This evolution underscores a return to credible denial strategies, informed by empirical assessments of Russian capabilities rather than prior assumptions of perpetual stability, while adapting to interoperability without fully subordinating national command.

Post-NATO Doctrine Shifts

Sweden's accession to on March 7, 2024, marked the end of its longstanding policy of military non-alignment, necessitating a fundamental reconfiguration of its defense doctrine from armed neutrality to collective defense under Article 5 of the . This shift emphasized with alliance forces, transitioning away from a purely national territorial defense model—centered on absorbing invasions and conducting limited counter-offensives—toward integrated operations that prioritize rapid reinforcement and joint multinational maneuvers. In October 2024, the Swedish government adopted a new Resolution, which accelerated alignment with 's doctrines by mandating the adoption of alliance-standard procedures, command structures, and operational planning to facilitate seamless contributions to missions, particularly in the region. The resolution outlined investments to enhance capabilities for high-intensity warfare, including upgrades to air and systems integrated into 's broader Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) framework, with defense spending projected to rise from 2.2% of GDP in 2024 (approximately SEK 122 billion) to higher levels by 2030 to support these adaptations. Doctrinal evolution post-accession also incorporated a proactive orientation within , focusing on deterrence against regional threats such as Russian aggression, while reinforcing total defense principles that blend , civil, and societal resilience. Sweden's first Defense and Security Space Strategy, released in 2025, further exemplified this alignment by prioritizing , resilience against disruptions, and with allies to bolster overall alliance deterrence. These changes reflect a strategic pivot to leverage Sweden's geographic position for 's northern flank, enhancing collective capabilities without abandoning core elements of territorial defense.

Organizational Structure

High Command and Headquarters

The Swedish Armed Forces are commanded by the (överbefälhavaren, ÖB), the highest-ranking active uniformed officer responsible for operational leadership, force generation, and execution of defense tasks under government direction. The ÖB is appointed by the Government on the recommendation of the Minister for Defence and maintains direct accountability to the parliamentary defense committee, ensuring alignment with policy while exercising independent professional judgment on military matters. General Michael Claesson has served as since 1 October 2024, succeeding General Micael Bydén after a career including roles as Chief of Joint Operations and Supreme Commandant of . Supporting the ÖB is the Chief of Defence Staff, who manages , policy development, and coordination across service branches, with Carl-Johan Edström assuming the role on 1 October 2024 following prior service in policy and plans. This structure emphasizes joint operations, reflecting post-2014 doctrinal shifts toward integrated capabilities amid regional threats, with the ÖB retaining ultimate authority over wartime command and mobilization. The Armed Forces Headquarters (Högkvarteret, HKV), the apex of the command hierarchy, is situated in at Lidingövägen 24 in the Gärdet area, housing central staffs for doctrine, logistics, intelligence, and international affairs. Established to streamline post-Cold War reforms, it integrates , , , and elements under unified leadership, facilitating rapid decision-making and resource allocation while interfacing with structures following Sweden's 2024 accession. The HKV also oversees specialized entities like the Swedish Armed Forces International Centre in nearby Kungsängen for training and partnerships.

Swedish Army

The Swedish Army (Swedish: Armén) constitutes the land component of the , tasked with organizing, training, and deploying ground forces and air defense capabilities to defend Swedish territory and support international operations as directed by the Swedish Parliament. Under the overall command of the Supreme Commander through the Armed Forces Headquarters, the Army maintains a structure centered on peacetime regiments that serve as garrisons for training conscripts and professional personnel, while preparing for wartime mobilization into combat brigades and battalions. Following Sweden's accession to in March 2024, the Army has accelerated efforts to form two mechanized brigades capable of high-intensity warfare, with plans to expand active personnel and conscript training to enhance readiness against regional threats. The Army's operational units encompass mechanized forces equipped with tanks and armored vehicles for across varied terrains, cavalry elements specializing in , ranger operations, , and functions, and regiments providing long-range precision fire support in all weather conditions. Air defense regiments operate ground-based missile systems to counter aerial threats, while units handle terrain modification, explosive ordnance disposal, and infrastructure support. and support formations ensure sustainment through supply, medical services, and maintenance, complemented by specialized chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear ( units to mitigate unconventional threats. Command and control is facilitated by dedicated staff training units that prepare officers for brigade-level and higher leadership roles, integrating joint operations with the and . As of 2025, the Army's structure emphasizes rapid mobilization, with regiments distributed across —primarily in northern and central regions—to counter potential incursions, reflecting a doctrinal shift from total defense isolation to NATO-aligned . This reorganization includes increasing conscript intake to bolster wartime strength, targeting enhanced armored and artillery capabilities amid heightened tensions.

Swedish Navy

The Swedish Navy, known as Svenska marinen, serves as the maritime branch of the Swedish Armed Forces, focusing on operations in the Baltic Sea and adjacent waters to defend national territory and support alliance commitments. It organizes and trains units for missions including sea area control, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, and amphibious operations, with an emphasis on littoral and archipelago environments. Following Sweden's accession to NATO on March 7, 2024, the Navy has integrated into alliance structures, contributing to enhanced deterrence against regional threats, particularly from Russia, while maintaining capabilities for rapid mobilization in wartime. The Navy's structure comprises naval warfare flotillas for surface operations against targets on, above, and under water; a flotilla for stealthy intelligence gathering and ; a marine battalion specialized in coastal and amphibious assaults; and support elements including a with dedicated battalions for base operations, equipment maintenance, logistics, and intelligence. The 1st Marine Regiment (Amf 1), headquartered in near , trains coastal rangers and amphibious forces equipped with mobile weapon systems for controlling areas and conducting ground operations as . units coordinate these elements, ensuring with the and [Air Force](/page/Air Force). Principal bases include Karlskrona Naval Base, the main hub for surface fleet operations and training, and , which supports submarine activities and underground facilities for maintenance. These installations monitor and provide logistical support, enabling sustained operations in contested Baltic environments. The maintains approximately 2,100 active personnel, supplemented by conscripts and reserves, with training focused on high-tech, tactics suited to Sweden's . The fleet emphasizes stealth and versatility, with key assets including five Visby-class stealth corvettes for anti-surface, anti-submarine, and mine countermeasures roles; five diesel-electric attack submarines (three Gotland-class and two upgraded Södermanland-class) capable of for extended underwater endurance; and mine warfare vessels such as the Koster-class sweepers. Additional units comprise patrol vessels, support ships, and for amphibious support. Recent defense plans under the 2025-2030 resolution allocate resources for modernization, including potential additions to surface combatants, to bolster NATO's Baltic flank amid heightened tensions.
CategoryClass/TypeNumberPrimary Role
SubmarinesGotland-class & Södermanland-class5Attack, intelligence
CorvettesVisby-class5Multi-role stealth
Mine WarfareKoster-class & others9Countermeasures
Patrol/CombatantsStockholm-class & Gävle-class6Surface patrol

Swedish Air Force

The (Flygvapnet) serves as the branch of the Swedish Armed Forces, tasked with defending Swedish , conducting , and providing air support to and operations in coordination with other services. It organizes and trains units for airborne operations, airbase maintenance, and command-and-control functions, emphasizing precision strikes and rapid response capabilities. Base units manage airbase infrastructure to support fighter squadrons, while command-and-control elements focus on and management. Commanded by the Chief of , a position currently held by Jonas Wikman, the service operates under the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and aligns with national defense directives. The integrates with the Armed Forces Staff in , contributing to joint planning and NATO-compatible operations following Sweden's 2024 accession. Organizationally, the Swedish Air Force structures its forces around several operational wings (flygflottiljer), each hosting fighter squadrons, support elements, and training facilities. Key wings include the (F 21) at Luleå-Kallax in northern , responsible for air operations in the region; the (F 7) at Såtenäs , focusing on fighter training and ground attack; the Blekinge Wing (F 17) at Ronneby Air Base for maritime air patrols; and the Uppland Wing (F 16) at , handling transport and . Additional facilities include the Air Warfare Centre at Malmslätt, which encompasses schools for flying training, air surveillance, and combat leadership. Vidsel Test Range serves as a primary site for weapons testing and evaluation. As of 2025, the maintains an active inventory of approximately 172 aircraft, with fighters comprising about 43% of total strength. The mainstay is the multirole fighter, including 71 Gripen C and 23 Gripen D variants in service, supplemented by the initial delivery of the advanced Gripen E in October 2025, with 60 more on order to enhance and payload capacity. Helicopters, making up around 31% of the fleet, include NH90 for and UH-60 Black Hawks for utility roles, while transport assets feature C-130 Hercules and Gulfstream S102 Korpen for surveillance. The service prioritizes dispersed basing and rapid dispersal to over 30 peacetime and wartime airfields to ensure survivability against aerial threats.

Home Guard and Specialized Units

The Swedish (Hemvärnet) serves as the reserve component of the Swedish Armed Forces, comprising approximately 21,000 volunteers focused on territorial defense and societal support. Established in 1940, it operates across the spectrum of conflict, from peacetime —such as responses to and pandemics—to wartime armed defense of Swedish territory. These units emphasize rapid deployment, with readiness times measured in hours, and integrate modern combat capabilities for with regular forces. Organizationally, the is structured into regional battalions, which are subdivided into companies tailored to local needs. Guard companies function as stationary units for protecting fixed sites and conducting surveillance in specific municipalities, while companies provide mobile tactical responses for broader operational flexibility. Coastal and areas feature naval-oriented battalions equipped for tasks, including shipborne operations. Personnel, primarily part-time volunteers under annual contracts, undergo basic military training supplemented by specialized instruction from volunteer defense organizations, with mandatory security vetting. Within this framework, specialized subunits enhance versatility, including intelligence companies for and information gathering, CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) platoons for , pioneer platoons for engineering and obstacle breaching, platoons for , traffic platoons for control, air squads for aviation-related tasks, and over 25 military bands for ceremonial and morale functions. Examples include the 414th Company, which supports rapid operations, and large formations like the . Recent modernization efforts have incorporated advanced equipment and attracted younger recruits, bolstering capabilities amid heightened regional threats. Beyond the , the Swedish Armed Forces maintain specialized elite units for high-risk missions, such as the Special Operations Task Group (SOG), which handles , , and counter-terrorism under a dedicated command structure. The (SSG) focuses on personnel security and hostage rescue, while special elements conduct deep operations. These units, drawn from across branches, undergo rigorous selection and training to execute tasks beyond conventional forces' scope, contributing to Sweden's layered defense posture.

Personnel and Manpower

Conscription Policies and Transitions

Sweden introduced in 1901 as a means to build national defense capabilities following periods of neutrality and regional tensions. The system required mandatory for men, evolving into a selective process by the late , with service durations typically ranging from 7 to 15 months depending on roles and units. In 2010, transitioned to an all-volunteer force, suspending amid post-Cold War optimism, budget constraints, and assumptions of reduced immediate threats, which led to a significant decline in active personnel and readiness. This shift was driven by the perceived success of in other NATO-aligned nations and domestic political priorities favoring welfare spending over military expansion, though it later exposed vulnerabilities in mobilization capacity. Conscription was reinstated on March 2, 2017, following parliamentary approval prompted by heightened security concerns, including Russia's annexation of in 2014, incursions into Swedish airspace and waters, and broader instability. The revived system is gender-neutral, applying equally to men and women, with all 18-year-olds required to complete an online and undergo health and aptitude assessments conducted by the Swedish Defence Conscription and Assessment Agency (Plikt- och prövningsverket). Selection is merit-based and selective, targeting the most capable individuals—approximately 7-8% of each age cohort—prioritizing , motivation, and skills over universal mandatory service, to build a high-quality reserve force. Initial reinstatement called up 4,000 conscripts starting January 1, 2018, with numbers scaled to 5,000 by 2019 and projected to reach 8,000 annually by 2025 to address personnel shortages and enhance deterrence. Basic training lasts 9-12 months for most roles, extendable to 15 months for specialized positions like officers or pilots, followed by placement in the reserve where service obligations persist for up to 10 years post-training or until age 47, enabling rapid mobilization. While participation remains largely voluntary in practice— with high opt-in rates due to societal support and incentives—2024 marked the first instances of compulsory enlistment for non-volunteers since reinstatement, reflecting intensified recruitment needs. Sweden's NATO accession on March 7, 2024, has not altered the core framework but reinforced its strategic value, positioning the selective model as a potential template for allies facing similar challenges amid Russian threats. Ongoing reforms include proposals to extend reserve liability for former officers from age 47 to 70, aiming to retain experienced personnel without expanding active conscription quotas. These transitions underscore a causal shift from peacetime to proactive total defense preparedness, driven by empirical assessments of risks rather than ideological commitments.

Current Force Composition

The Swedish Armed Forces' current active-duty personnel number approximately 24,000 professionals, comprising officers, enlisted specialists, and support staff across the , , and branches. This professional core is augmented by an annual intake of around 8,000 conscripts undergoing basic training as of 2025, focusing on high-readiness units for rapid mobilization. The , functioning as the primary reserve component, maintains about 22,000 personnel organized into territorial defense units capable of supporting regular forces in monitoring, protection, and auxiliary roles during heightened alert or conflict. Additional reserves total roughly 30,000, drawing from prior service members who can be recalled for wartime expansion, though mobilization readiness varies due to the shift from universal to selective service in the . Overall, this yields a wartime mobilizable force of approximately 88,000, emphasizing quality over quantity amid post-Cold War downsizing and recent geopolitical pressures prompting capacity growth. Branch-specific active personnel skew toward the as the dominant element for land operations, with estimates placing it at around 12,000, followed by the at approximately 7,000 for aviation and defense roles, and the at about 5,000 focused on and amphibious capabilities. These figures reflect a professionalized structure prioritizing interoperability with allies following Sweden's 2024 accession, with ongoing reforms aiming to integrate conscripts more deeply into brigade-level formations.
Personnel CategoryApproximate Number (2025)Role
Active Professionals24,000Core operational force across branches
Conscripts (Annual)8,000Training for wartime augmentation
Home Guard22,000Territorial reserve and support
Other Reserves30,000Recallable for sustained operations

Training, Ranks, and Recruitment Challenges

Basic training for conscripts in the Swedish Armed Forces lasts between 9 and 15 months, depending on specialization, and includes physical conditioning, weapons handling, tactical exercises, and branch-specific skills conducted at various regimental bases across the country. Approximately 30,000 18-year-olds are mustered annually through medical, psychological, and aptitude assessments, with around 8,500 selected for enlistment based on suitability for roles ranging from operation to . Specialized training occurs at dedicated units, such as the Air Defence for missile systems and airspace surveillance, the Blekinge Wing for JAS 39 Gripen pilot qualification involving thousands of flight hours yearly, and naval flotillas for and mine countermeasures operations. Officer training is provided through the Swedish Defence University's three-year Officer's Programme, which awards a bachelor's-level vocational degree combining academic study with practical , followed by advanced options like the Joint Advanced Command and Staff Programme leading to a master's. Specialist officers, focused on technical roles, undergo targeted training at military academies post-conscription, emphasizing retention factors like career progression and workload balance. The rank structure aligns with NATO STANAG 2116 standards, categorizing personnel as commissioned officers (OF-1 to OF-9, from to /amiral), specialist officers (equivalent to warrant officers for technical expertise), non-commissioned officers (OR-4 to OR-9, including gruppbefäl for squad leadership), and enlisted ranks (OR-1 to OR-3). Highest ranks include for the and , and for the , with non-commissioned roles like (OR-6) commanding small units. Recruitment relies on selective, gender-neutral since 2017, drawing from a mustering pool to meet annual targets of about 8,000 enlistees, but professional and specialist positions face persistent shortfalls amid post-NATO expansion plans to reach 115,000 wartime personnel by 2030. These challenges stem from limited volunteer inflows for career roles, demographic pressures, and competition from civilian sectors, prompting proposals to extend former officers' recall age from 47 to 70 and goals for 30% female recruits by 2030 through inclusivity-focused campaigns. Retention of specialist officers is hindered by factors like high operational demands and inadequate incentives, as identified in longitudinal studies, while new formations exacerbate infrastructure and staffing gaps. units see over-applications, indicating selective public support, but overall force growth requires intensified professional recruitment to complement conscript reserves.

Equipment and Capabilities

Ground Forces Equipment

The Swedish Army's ground forces equipment emphasizes mobility, firepower, and adaptability to conditions, with a focus on Leopard 2-based main battle tanks, CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, and advanced artillery systems. Recent procurements and upgrades, driven by integration and regional security concerns, aim to expand and modernize the inventory amid donations to . Main Battle Tanks
The primary is the (Strv 122), a Swedish variant of the German A5 equipped with enhanced armor, fire control systems, and French GALIX smoke dispensers. originally acquired 120 units in the 1990s, but 10 were donated to in 2023, leaving approximately 110 in service as of 2025. In 2025, signed an agreement to purchase 44 additional tanks from , with upgrades underway on 44 existing Strv 122 units to the Strv 123 standard, incorporating improved sensors and protection; deliveries are scheduled through 2031, potentially bringing the total to around 154 modern tanks. Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Armored Personnel Carriers
The CV90 family forms the backbone of , with the CV9040 variant featuring a 40 mm L/70 , capacity for up to eight dismounts, and modular upgrades for anti-tank missiles or remote weapon stations. Sweden has approximately 545–549 CV90 vehicles across variants in service as of 2025, following deliveries of nearly 500 since 1993 and accounting for replacements of about 50 donated to . Armored personnel carriers include the Patgb 360 wheeled vehicle for troop transport in varied terrains. All-terrain tracked vehicles like the Bandvagn 410 (Bv 410, or BvS10 variant) provide protected mobility in snow and rough ground, with 167 units in service plus 127 newly acquired in 2021 for command and logistics roles.
Equipment TypeModelQuantity (approx., 2025)Key Features
Main Battle TankStrv 122/123 (Leopard 2)110 active; +44 upgrades/new planned120 mm smoothbore gun, composite armor, 55+ tons
IFVCV9040545–54940 mm cannon, 7–8 km range, amphibious capability
APC/ATVPatgb 360 / Bv 410100+ Patgb; 167+ Bv 410Wheeled/tracked, troop carrier, cold-weather ops
Artillery and Anti-Tank Systems
Field artillery centers on the Archer (Artillerisystem 08), a wheeled 155 mm self-propelled howitzer with an L/52 barrel, automated loading for 20–30 second fire cycles, and a range exceeding 40 km with extended-range munitions. Sweden maintains an inventory bolstered by a 2023 contract for 48 new units to offset prior donations to Ukraine, with the system already operational in Army service. Anti-tank capabilities include the man-portable NLAW (Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon), a fire-and-forget guided missile effective against top-attack on modern tanks up to 1 km, and the disposable AT4 84 mm recoilless rifle for lighter armored targets. Small Arms and Infantry Weapons
Standard issue rifles include the Automatkarbin 5 (Ak 5), a 5.56 mm select-fire weapon derived from the , in use since the 1980s as the primary arm following replacement of the 7.62 mm Ak 4 ( variant). Sidearms feature Glock 17 and 19 pistols in 9 mm. Mortars and man-portable air defense systems complement ground forces, integrated into mechanized units for operations. The Swedish Navy maintains a compact fleet tailored for , mine countermeasures, and coastal defense in the , emphasizing stealth, mobility, and integration with allies following Sweden's accession in March 2024. As of 2025, the active inventory includes five , seven corvettes, eight mine warfare vessels, and approximately 14 patrol and support ships, with additional auxiliaries such as for amphibious operations. This composition reflects post-Cold War reforms prioritizing quality over quantity, with recent investments in upgrades to counter regional threats from Russian naval activity. Submarine capabilities form the core of the fleet's offensive punch, with five diesel-electric boats operational: three (HSwMS , , ) equipped with Stirling for extended submerged endurance, and two (HSwMS , ) upgraded for enhanced stealth and sensors. These vessels, based primarily at the , have demonstrated prowess in exercises, including a 2005 incident where a simulated sinking a U.S. carrier group during joint drills, underscoring their effectiveness in littoral environments despite reliance on conventional propulsion. Modernization efforts, including mid-life upgrades completed on the by Saab in early 2025, incorporate advanced combat systems and torpedoes like the Tp 62. Surface combatants consist of seven corvettes optimized for multi-role operations. The flagship element is the five Visby-class stealth corvettes (HSwMS , , Härnösand, , ), constructed from carbon-fiber composites for low cross-section, with RBS15 anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and depth charges, and capable of speeds exceeding 35 knots. These vessels, introduced progressively from 2009, are receiving vertical launch system integrations starting in 2026 for air defense missiles such as the Sea Ceptor, addressing prior limitations in surface-to-air capabilities. Complementing them are two remaining Göteborg-class (Gävle-class) corvettes (HSwMS Gävle, ), older but upgraded platforms focused on anti-submarine roles with facilities. Mine countermeasures assets include eight vessels: five Koster-class mine hunters equipped with autonomous underwater vehicles for detection and neutralization, and three Styrsö-class sweepers, critical for securing lanes vulnerable to historical Soviet-era minefields. Patrol and auxiliary forces encompass 14 units, such as two -class corvettes repurposed for surveillance (HSwMS , Malmö), 10 Tapper-class fast missile boats for rapid response, and the HSwMS Carlskrona as a command and support vessel. Amphibious maritime assets support the 1st Marine Regiment with Combat Boat 90 (CB90) and G-class vessels, enabling rapid insertion of coastal ranger units. Ongoing , including the Luleå-class multi-role ships planned for the late , aims to expand surface capabilities amid Baltic tensions.
Vessel ClassTypeActive Units (2025)Key Features
Gotland-class3AIP, Tp 47 torpedoes, sensor upgrades
Södermanland-class2Upgraded stealth, ASW focus
Visby-class5Stealth design, RBS15 missiles, VLS upgrade pending
Göteborg/Gävle-class2Helicopter-capable, anti-submarine
Koster-classMine Hunter5Remote mine disposal systems
Tapper-class10High-speed coastal patrol, anti-ship missiles
This fleet structure, while modest in scale, leverages technological superiority for deterrence, with bases at and Muskö ensuring rapid deployment.

Air Defense and Aviation Inventory

The Swedish Air Force's aviation inventory emphasizes multirole fighters, utility helicopters, and support optimized for territorial defense and interoperability. As of 2025, the fleet totals approximately 172 active , with fighters comprising about 43% of the total strength. The core combat capability resides in the series, including 71 Gripen C single-seat variants and 23 Gripen D two-seat trainers in service, supplemented by initial operational deliveries of the enhanced Gripen E model, which features advanced , increased range, and improved . Long-term plans aim for 120 Gripens by 2030, with roughly half as E variants to phase out older C/D models. Helicopter assets total 53 units, supporting transport, utility, and special operations roles. These include 20 AgustaWestland AW109 light utility helicopters, 18 NHIndustries NH90 tactical transport helicopters, and 15 Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawks acquired for multi-mission tasks such as troop movement and search-and-rescue. Transport capabilities consist of 5 Lockheed C-130H Hercules for tactical airlift, alongside limited VIP and utility platforms like the Gulfstream G550 and Saab 340. Training aircraft number 33, primarily Gripen D dual-seaters and 10 Grob G120TP basic trainers. Special-mission aircraft include 2 ASC 890 Erieye airborne early warning and control systems for surveillance and 2 Gulfstream IV signals intelligence platforms. A single KC-130H provides aerial refueling support. Ongoing procurements, such as 4 Embraer C-390 Millennium transports and 3 Saab GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft, will enhance strategic lift and surveillance by the late 2020s.
CategoryType/ModelQuantityRole/Notes
FightersSaab JAS 39C Gripen71Multirole, air superiority/
FightersSaab JAS 39E Gripen3+Advanced multirole, initial deliveries
TrainersSaab JAS 39D Gripen23Fighter trainer variant
Helicopters20Light utility
HelicoptersNHIndustries NH90 TTH18Medium utility/transport
HelicoptersSikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk15Multi-mission utility
TransportsLockheed C-130H 5Tactical airlift
Special-MissionASC 890 2Airborne early warning
Ground-based air defense systems form a layered capability under the Swedish Army's Air Defence Regiment (Lv 6), integrating short-, medium-, and long-range assets to protect against , drones, and missiles. The RBS 70 NG (MANPADS), produced by Saab, serves as a for very short-range engagements, with a recent order in July 2025 enhancing mobility and integration for platoon-level operations, including counter-drone features. Complementing this, the SLS provides short-range surface-to-air interception, while the SLM medium-range system—procured in June 2025 for approximately $900 million under the —equips five Army air defense companies and Battlegroup with vertical-launch missiles effective against cruise missiles and up to 40 km. Long-range coverage is provided by Patriot PAC-3 systems, with initial batteries delivered starting in 2021 to address gaps in high-altitude threats. These systems are networked with radars and fighters for integrated air defense, with recent enhancements including the Loke counter-drone concept tested in exercises. Deployments, such as anti-aircraft guns to in 2026, mark Sweden's first overseas air defense commitment since the 1960s.

Emerging Technologies and Systems

The Swedish Armed Forces are investing in unmanned systems, , and counter-drone technologies to enhance operational capabilities amid evolving threats. In January 2025, Saab introduced an AI-powered drone swarm system enabling a single operator to control up to 100 aerial drones for , , and tasks, integrated for ground and air unit support. This technology leverages swarm algorithms to distribute tasks autonomously, reducing operator workload and improving resilience against electronic warfare. Project Demo UCAV, advanced by the (FMV) in April 2025, focuses on developing and testing unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) alongside countermeasures, preparing for drone-centric warfare scenarios. Complementing this, the Loke counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) concept—a mobile, modular platform developed jointly by FMV, the , and Saab—debuted operationally in a NATO mission at a Polish in September 2025, targeting small drones with kinetic and electronic effects. The broader C-UAS initiative, prioritized since July 2025, addresses proliferation of low-cost drones through integrated detection and neutralization modules. In underwater domains, FMV contracted Saab in September 2025 for a large uncrewed (LUUV) technology demonstrator emphasizing sensing capabilities for maritime surveillance and mine countermeasures. Aerial advancements include FMV's October 2025 extension of Saab's contract—valued at approximately SEK 2.6 billion—for conceptual studies on a next-generation fighter to succeed the Gripen, with a technology demonstrator slated for flight in 2027. Additionally, September 2025 funding supports six technologies to counter hypersonic missiles, glide bombs, and UAVs, integrating directed energy and advanced sensors into air defense frameworks. AI integration extends to strategic planning, as demonstrated in the Comprehensive Shield 2025 exercise with , where algorithms aided scenario analysis and decision-making. These efforts align with national defence innovation strategies emphasizing dual-use technologies in AI, , and , supported by Vinnova and FOI investments totaling millions of SEK in 2025.

International Engagements

Historical Peacekeeping and Missions

Sweden's participation in international peacekeeping operations commenced with unarmed observers in 1948, but the deployment of its first armed contingent occurred in November 1956 as part of the (UNEF I) in the and following the . Over the course of UNEF I, which lasted until , approximately 12,000 Swedish personnel served to monitor the ceasefire between and . This marked the beginning of Sweden's sustained involvement in UN-led missions, aligned with its policy of military non-alignment, through which over 100,000 Swedish service members have participated in more than 120 operations across 60 countries since 1956. In the early 1960s, Sweden contributed to the Operation in the Congo (ONUC) from 1960 to 1964, deploying around 6,300 troops to support stabilization efforts amid the , including logistical and security tasks against secessionist forces. Sweden also provided contingents for the Force in (UNFICYP), established in 1964, with approximately 28,000 personnel serving until Sweden's withdrawal in 1993 to enforce the ceasefire between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. Later missions included the second (UNEF II) in the Sinai from 1973 to 1980, involving 7,600 Swedish soldiers in buffer zone supervision post-Yom Kippur War, and the Interim Force in (UNIFIL) from 1980 to 1994, where 9,200 troops aided in confirming Israeli withdrawal and restoring peace along the Israel-Lebanon border. During the 1990s Yugoslav conflicts, Sweden shifted toward multinational operations, contributing 10,200 personnel to the (UNPROFOR) in Bosnia from 1993 to 1995, followed by NATO-led (IFOR) and Stabilization Force (SFOR) until 1999, focusing on demilitarization and civilian protection. In the post-Cold War era, Sweden joined the NATO-led (ISAF) in starting in 2002, peaking at around 500 troops by 2009 primarily in training and advisory roles at locations like Camp Marmal, with contributions continuing under until full withdrawal in 2021; six Swedish personnel were killed during the mission. These engagements, totaling over 80,000 in UN military operations since the 1960s, underscored Sweden's emphasis on multilateral while preserving national defense priorities.

NATO Membership and Current Operations

Sweden formally applied for NATO membership on 18 May 2022, alongside , in response to Russia's invasion of , marking a departure from its longstanding policy of military non-alignment. The accession process faced delays due to ratification hurdles from and ; approved the protocol on 23 January 2024, followed by on 26 February 2024. deposited its on 7 March 2024, becoming 's 32nd member and completing the Nordic expansion. As a NATO ally, Sweden has integrated into the alliance's command structure, contributing to collective defense under Article 5 while leveraging its strategic position in the Baltic Sea region to enhance NATO's northern flank capabilities. The Swedish Armed Forces participate in NATO's enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battlegroup in , with commitments to deploy land forces as part of multinational rotations to deter aggression. Sweden also supports NATO's capacity-building mission in , providing training to strengthen local security institutions. In 2025, initiated its first direct contributions to 's Air Policing mission, deploying a and ground support units to from April to June for enhanced airspace surveillance and operations. The forces regularly engage in large-scale exercises, such as Steadfast Defender, focusing on interoperability in the North and Baltic Seas to bolster regional deterrence against potential Russian threats. Additionally, Sweden's SWEDINT training center was designated as 's Department Head for Operations in April 2025, facilitating doctrinal development and multinational training. These operations emphasize rapid deployment and technological integration, including counter-drone systems tested in contexts.

Reforms and Future Expansion

Budgetary and Fiscal Commitments

Sweden's defense budget has undergone substantial expansion since the early 2020s, driven by Russia's 2022 invasion of and the country's accession in March 2024, shifting from longstanding underinvestment to meeting alliance benchmarks. Appropriations for military defense rose by nearly SEK 13 billion from 2024 to 2025, reflecting immediate fiscal prioritization amid regional threats. In absolute terms, military expenditure reached a record USD 12.04 billion in 2024, up from USD 8.75 billion in 2023. As a share of GDP, spending aligned with NATO's broader definition at 2.2% in , surpassing the alliance's 2% guideline for the first time in decades, though narrower metrics like SIPRI's reported lower figures around 1.5% due to definitional differences excluding certain pensions and . Historically, Sweden's outlays hovered below 1.2% of GDP from 2010 to 2021, a period of post-Cold War drawdowns that prioritized fiscal restraint over deterrence capabilities. Long-term fiscal commitments, outlined in the government's Defence Resolution 2025–2030 adopted in October 2024, mandate progressive hikes to 2.6% of GDP by 2028, with further projections to 2.8% in 2026 and 3.1% in 2028 to bolster total defense resilience. This includes a SEK 26.6 billion (approximately USD 2.87 billion) uplift for 2026, funding procurements in air defense, artillery, and vehicles amid Russian aggression concerns. These allocations, financed partly through borrowing with debt stabilization targeted by 2035, underscore a departure from prior austerity, though implementation hinges on parliamentary consensus and economic growth assumptions.
YearMilitary Expenditure (% of GDP, SIPRI)Absolute Spending (USD Billion)
20191.09~5.0
20201.15~5.3
2023~1.478.75
2024~1.5 (est.)12.04
The table above illustrates the upward trajectory, with SIPRI data highlighting pre-2022 stagnation contrasted against post-invasion accelerations; NATO-inclusive metrics elevate recent percentages by incorporating and R&D elements often excluded elsewhere. These commitments prioritize capability over mere spending targets, aiming to reverse capability gaps from decades of underfunding, though fiscal sustainability remains contingent on avoiding offsets from welfare or budgets.

Personnel Growth Targets

In the Defence Resolution for 2025–2030, adopted by the Swedish Riksdag on December 17, 2024, the government outlined plans to expand the Swedish Armed Forces' wartime organization from approximately 88,000 personnel in 2024 to 115,000 by 2030, encompassing professional soldiers, conscripts, and reservists. This growth, representing an increase of about 27,000 personnel, aims to enhance deterrence and integration following Sweden's accession in March 2024, with further expansion to a fully staffed 130,000 plus reserves targeted by 2035. Key to this expansion is scaling up conscription, which was reintroduced in 2017 after a suspension since 2010. The number of annual conscripts is set to rise to at least 10,000 by 2030, up from around 8,000 in recent years, with plans to reach 12,000 annually between 2032 and 2035 to support four new brigades and bolster ground forces. The , integral to territorial defense and comprising voluntary part-time personnel, will grow from about 22,000 to 26,000 members by 2030, emphasizing rapid mobilization capabilities. Active-duty professional personnel, currently numbering around 25,000–30,000 including officers and enlisted, will see incremental increases to staff expanded units, though specific breakdowns by branch remain tied to overall wartime targets rather than isolated professional quotas. training and refreshers will also intensify to ensure the expanded force maintains readiness, with the resolution allocating resources for , training infrastructure, and retention incentives amid from labor markets. These targets reflect a shift toward a more robust total defense posture, driven by geopolitical tensions in the , though achievement depends on sustained budgetary commitments exceeding 2% of GDP.

Procurement and Modernization Initiatives

In the Defence Resolution 2025–2030, the Swedish government allocated over SEK 170 billion for military defence enhancements by 2030, emphasizing procurements to address capability gaps identified post-NATO accession in 2024. These initiatives prioritize rapid acquisition of interoperable systems, with defence expenditures projected to reach 2.6% of GDP by 2028, including substantial increases in procurement appropriations—such as SEK 4.7 billion for and facilities in 2026 alone, contributing to a nearly SEK 12 billion rise in overall spending from 2025 levels. The (FMV) coordinates these efforts, evaluating tenders and ensuring alignment with standards amid tripled procurement volumes in recent years. Aviation modernization centers on the JAS 39 Gripen fleet, with serial deliveries of the E variant commencing in 2025 and continuing through 2030 to replace legacy aircraft, alongside upgrades to C/D models incorporating long-range ground-attack capabilities. Additional air procurements include interceptor and cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, Black Hawk helicopters, SK 50 Grob trainers, and three S 106 airborne early warning aircraft. In October 2025, FMV extended conceptual studies for next-generation fighter systems to Saab under a SEK 2.8 billion ($276 million) contract spanning multiple years, aiming to sustain indigenous development amid evolving threats. Ground forces initiatives focus on bolstering mechanized and units, including of additional CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, renovations of existing tanks and combat vehicles, loitering munitions, reconnaissance drones, anti-aircraft , and rocket systems to form dedicated battalions. In June 2025, the approved air defence materiel for five brigade companies and Battlegroup , enhancing short-range protection. Recent FMV contracts encompass 211 million SEK for heavy machine guns from to equip CAVS 6x6 vehicles, a $110 million modular charge system deal with , and 50 CV90 Mk III C units acquired in December 2024. Naval modernization advances with the A26 Blekinge-class submarines, where FMV awarded Saab a SEK 9.6 billion in October 2025 for final production of two units, with deliveries scheduled from 2026 to 2032 despite prior delays and cost overruns that prompted mid-life upgrades to the existing fleet. Complementary efforts include FMV's August 2025 with Saab for a large uncrewed to support covert operations, alongside plans for new surface combat vessels and expanded ammunition stockpiles to levels. Emerging technologies feature prominently, with of satellites and launch initiating in 2025–2030 to improve and communication resilience. upgrades involve vehicles, sensors, thermal imaging, and radios to support 26,000 personnel by 2030, while research and development funding rises to over SEK 1.6 billion by 2027 for innovative systems like electronic warfare and intelligence tools. These measures reflect a strategic pivot toward high-end deterrence, though execution risks from supply chain dependencies and industrial capacity persist.

Challenges and Criticisms

Military Readiness Assessments

The Swedish Defence Commission's final report, submitted on April 26, 2024, evaluated the Armed Forces' capabilities as insufficient for deterring armed aggression without allied support, recommending a phased expansion of conscript training from around 8,000 annually to 10,000 by 2030 and 12,000 by 2032 to build credible wartime mobilization. This assessment highlighted gaps in brigade-level combat units and sustainment for prolonged operations, attributing shortfalls to post-Cold War reductions in force structure and readiness investments. Supreme Commander , in statements from January 2023 and 2024, identified personnel retention as a critical weakness, noting that insufficient numbers of conscripts remain in service post-training, limiting the transition to a professional core capable of high-intensity conflict. He emphasized the need for societal psychological preparation amid deteriorating security, while affirming ongoing efforts to enhance operational proficiency through integration, though full readiness remains years away due to shortfalls and equipment modernization delays. In October 2024, the Armed Forces executed a nationwide readiness exercise to test procedures and unit deployability, with results forwarded to to verify alignment with alliance capability targets; this routine evaluation underscored progress in rapid response but exposed vulnerabilities in and reserve activation for collective defense scenarios. The government's Defence Resolution for 2025–2030, adopted October 15, 2024, incorporates these assessments by allocating over SEK 170 billion to military defense by 2030, prioritizing enhancements in fighting units, air defense, and stocks to close identified deficiencies in deterrence and warfighting endurance. Independent analyses, such as those from the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), corroborate that while Sweden's technological edges in and bolster niche contributions, overall force readiness lags behind peer threats, necessitating sustained investment in volume and .

Policy and Structural Shortcomings

The abolition of mandatory in 2010, as part of a policy pivot to a fully professional volunteer force, resulted in persistent shortfalls, with the Swedish Armed Forces failing to meet personnel targets by up to 20% annually in the mid-2010s. This structural deficiency stemmed from inadequate incentives and societal disinclination toward , necessitating the reintroduction of selective in 2017, initially for 4,000 annually but scaled to 8,000 by 2025 amid heightened tensions. Despite these adjustments, active personnel hovered around 23,000 to 30,000 as of 2024, a fraction of Cold War-era strengths, limiting sustained operational depth against peer adversaries. Post-Cold War defense policies prioritized fiscal and international over territorial defense, slashing budgets from 2.6% of GDP in 1990 to 1% by , which eroded matériel reserves, cycles, and . This approach, justified by assumptions of perpetual stability, left structural gaps such as insufficient stockpiles—estimated at weeks rather than months of high-intensity conflict—and degraded mobilization readiness, with reserves requiring extensive retraining upon activation. Critics, including analyses from Swedish defense think tanks, attribute these shortcomings to a causal chain of political underestimation of revanchist threats, particularly from post- annexation, amplifying vulnerabilities in air defense and naval sustainment. Managerial reforms influenced by New Public Management principles since the 1990s introduced civilian oversight metrics and outsourcing, fragmenting command structures and prioritizing efficiency over warfighting coherence, as evidenced by prolonged decision-making in and reduced . Ground forces suffer from equipment obsolescence, with legacy systems like the tanks facing maintenance backlogs and limited adoption of unmanned systems, constraining adaptability in scenarios. Total defense reconstitution, formalized in the 2020-2025 framework, faces policy inertia from deregulated supply chains, heightening reliance on foreign logistics vulnerable to , though recent 2025-2030 strategies aim to mitigate this via domestic stockpiling mandates.

Societal and Political Controversies

Sweden reintroduced mandatory in 2017 on a gender-neutral basis, selecting around 8,000 youths annually from a pool of approximately 100,000 eligible 18-year-olds, with only about 5% ultimately enlisted after assessments. This policy, justified by security threats from and recruitment shortfalls in the prior all-volunteer force, has sparked debate over its alignment with principles, as female enlistment rates remain low at under 20% of conscripts despite equal obligations. Critics argue that imposing roles on women without physiological adjustments risks diluting unit effectiveness, while proponents, including government reports, frame it as advancing societal equity without evidence of lowered standards. Efforts to enhance diversity within the Swedish Armed Forces have included targeted campaigns in to attract immigrants, promoted under the rationale that varied backgrounds strengthen operational resilience against adversaries. This approach coincides with broader societal challenges, such as elevated gang linked to immigrant communities, prompting the military's temporary deployment to support police in 2023 amid over 60 bombings and shootings that year. Public surveys indicate lower willingness among foreign-born residents to defend militarily compared to native-born citizens, with 40% of immigrants expressing reluctance versus 10% of in a 2023 poll, raising questions about loyalty and integration in defense roles. Gender integration policies face , with studies identifying cultural barriers and processes that hinder women's advancement, despite formal equality since 1989. A 2023 analysis attributes slow progress to multi-level organizational opposition, including entrenched masculine norms, resulting in women comprising only 15-20% of personnel as of 2024. Politically, these initiatives tie into Sweden's framework, which some analysts critique for prioritizing symbolic inclusivity over combat readiness amid accession pressures. Proposals to extend conscription liability for former officers up to age 70, advanced in a 2025 government review, have ignited partisan divides, with supporters citing deterrence needs against regional threats and opponents warning of overburdening civilians in a society historically averse to militarization post-Cold War . This reflects broader tensions between rearmament advocates and those concerned with , as public support for defense spending rose to 70% by 2023 but remains contested in left-leaning circles favoring .

Total Defense Framework

Civil-Military Integration

Sweden's total defence framework integrates military and civil components to ensure national resilience against armed aggression or , with civil defence focusing on protecting the , maintaining essential societal functions such as healthcare, energy supply, , and food distribution, and providing logistical support to the Swedish Armed Forces. This integration operates on a whole-of-society principle, involving coordination between the Armed Forces, government agencies, municipalities, regions, private companies, and non-governmental organizations to sustain operations during crises. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) serves as the central coordinator for civil defence, promoting multi-sector collaboration to enhance preparedness. Civil defence is structured regionally through six civil defence regions managed by County Administrative Boards, a division established by a 2022 reform to bolster resistance and coordination at local and national levels. These regions facilitate inter-sectoral planning, including exercises and resource allocation, to align civil capabilities with military needs, such as supplying , , and to troops. The oversees overall integration, with dedicated leadership including a Minister for Civil Defence to address peacetime contingency planning and wartime mobilization. All Swedish citizens aged 16 to 70 bear duty, encompassing potential into civil defence roles alongside obligations, to foster universal societal contribution to security and independence. This liability extends to non-citizens in certain contexts, emphasizing broad participation in activities like individual preparedness stockpiling for at least one week of self-sufficiency. Rebuilding efforts accelerated since 2015 in response to deteriorating security, including Russia's 2022 invasion of , marking the largest expansion since the ; the Defence Resolution for 2025-2030 allocates over SEK 37.5 billion to civil defence for capacity enhancements in rescue services, healthcare, and supply chains, alongside improved civil support for military operations and host nation functions. Mechanisms include joint command structures at national, regional, and local levels, civil-military innovation programs for technological synergies, and regular drills to mitigate coordination inertia identified in regional analyses.

Voluntary Defense Organizations

Voluntary defense organizations in encompass a network of independent associations that bolster the total defense system by recruiting, training, and deploying civilian volunteers to support both military and civil operations during heightened preparedness, crises, or war. There are 18 such organizations, engaging approximately 380,000 members as of 2023, who acquire specialized competencies in , communications, medical aid, technical services, and administrative support through regular exercises coordinated with authorities. These groups operate nationwide, often at the municipal level, and receive state funding to maintain readiness, enabling rapid mobilization to augment Swedish Armed Forces personnel and civil contingency efforts. Key organizations include the Swedish Women's Voluntary Defence Organization (Svenska Lottakåren), Sweden's largest women-only defense group with a focus on welfare, leadership, and operational support roles; the Swedish Federation for Voluntary Defence Education and Training, which provides technical and tactical instruction; and specialized bodies like the Voluntary Automobile Corps for transport logistics and the Voluntary Radio Organization for communications resilience. These entities emphasize practical skills development, with members participating in annual national exercises to integrate with military units and emergency services, thereby enhancing Sweden's layered defense architecture amid regional security challenges. Complementing these civilian-led groups, the (Hemvärnet), a direct component of the Swedish Armed Forces, functions as the principal voluntary , comprising over 22,000 part-time soldiers and officers organized into 40 battalions for territorial security tasks. Formally established on May 29, 1940, during , it has modernized into combat-capable units responsible for monitoring borders, protecting , conducting , and providing rapid response support to regular forces or society in emergencies. Home Guard personnel, who serve voluntarily alongside civilian careers, undergo mandatory annual training in weapons handling, tactics, and specialized roles such as coastal patrol or counter-sabotage, ensuring deployability within hours of alert. This structure allows the Home Guard to scale from peacetime societal assistance, like search-and-rescue, to wartime augmentation, with equipment including small arms, vehicles, and sensor systems aligned with Armed Forces standards.

References

  1. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/
  2. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/organisation/
  3. https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_52535.htm
  4. https://www.government.se/government-policy/sweden-in-nato/
  5. https://www.government.se/government-policy/total-defence/defence-resolution-2025-20302/
  6. https://breakingdefense.com/2024/09/sweden-moves-to-ramp-up-defense-spending-by-1-3-billion-in-2025/
  7. https://www.army-technology.com/news/sweden-defence-budget-2026-increase/
  8. https://www.government.se/government-policy/total-defence/
  9. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/organisation/organisational-structure-and-responsibilities/
  10. http://www.hhogman.se/allotment_system.htm
  11. https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/img_auth.php/c/cd/Introduction_to_Swedish_Military_Research.pdf
  12. https://militardebatt.com/2023/06/26/the-command-system-of-the-swedish-army/
  13. https://1997-2001.state.gov/regions/eur/rpt_9806_ng_sweden.pdf
  14. https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1955/january/swedens-armed-neutrality
  15. https://journals.rudn.ru/international-relations/article/view/44781/en_US
  16. https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP01-00707R000200090016-9.pdf
  17. https://ojs.library.okstate.edu/osu/index.php/OAS/article/view/4533/4205
  18. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/03585522.1965.10414365
  19. https://warhistory.org/%40msw/article/armed-forces-sweden-cold-war-period
  20. https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/2846418/rebuilding-total-defense-in-a-globalized-deregulated-economy-the-case-of-sweden/
  21. https://warsawinstitute.org/swedish-total-defence/
  22. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10242694.2021.2003529
  23. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9329412/
  24. https://pubs.aip.org/physicstoday/article/72/9/40/924874/Getting-rid-of-the-Swedish-bombEarly-in-the-Cold
  25. https://fhs.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:626364/FULLTEXT01.pdf
  26. https://sjms.nu/articles/353/files/6819fc5a4b49f.pdf
  27. https://www.gisreportsonline.com/r/sweden-military/
  28. https://www.government.se/contentassets/5c39a5fe2c2745f18c8e42322af4fbc4/international-defence-cooperation---efficiency-solidarity-sovereignty
  29. https://lup.lub.lu.se/search/files/64654319/Why_Sweden_Suspended_Military_Service.pdf
  30. https://eso.expertgrupp.se/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Summary11.pdf
  31. https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1980802/total-defensean-interview-with-swedish-minister-of-defense-peter-hultqvist/
  32. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39140100
  33. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/02/sweden-reintroduce-conscription-amid-rising-baltic-tensions
  34. https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/03/15/sweden-nato-military-conscription-model-defense/
  35. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidnikel/2020/10/16/sweden-to-increase-defense-spending-by-40-amid-russia-fears/
  36. https://www.globaldata.com/store/report/sweden-defense-market-analysis/
  37. https://www.reuters.com/world/swedish-government-hike-military-spending-28-gdp-2026-2025-09-15/
  38. https://apnews.com/article/sweden-turkey-nato-timeline-hungary-fe9560e80b1a43c4037eea7c6f5176bd
  39. https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9574/
  40. https://thedefensepost.com/2025/03/27/sweden-boost-defense-spending/
  41. https://www.government.se/press-releases/2025/09/the-government-presents-defence-investments-for-a-stronger-sweden/
  42. https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/the-end-of-nordic-neutrality/
  43. https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/3323928/societal-security-and-total-defense-the-swedish-way/
  44. https://www.statista.com/statistics/810633/ratio-of-military-expenditure-to-gross-domestic-product-gdp-sweden/
  45. https://warontherocks.com/2024/04/in-from-the-cold-rebuilding-swedens-civil-defense-for-the-nato-era/
  46. https://encyclopediageopolitica.com/2020/04/06/the-northern-flank-the-restoration-of-swedens-total-defence-doctrine/
  47. https://warroom.armywarcollege.edu/articles/swedish-transformation/
  48. https://www.government.se/speeches/2024/04/why-sweden-joined-nato---a-paradigm-shift-in-swedens-foreign-and-security-policy/
  49. https://www.japcc.org/articles/sweden-strengthens-natos-presence-in-europe/
  50. https://kkrva.se/preparing-for-the-next-war-an-analysis-of-the-swedish-armys-needs-for-transformation/
  51. https://www.government.se/press-releases/2024/10/new-total-defence-resolution-for-a-stronger-sweden/
  52. https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/swedens-defense-overhaul-prioritizing-nato-baltic-security-and-space-capabilities
  53. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0265964625000153
  54. https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2024/10/nordic-baltic-defense-cooperation-nato?lang=en
  55. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/se-hkv.htm
  56. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/organisation/chief-of-defence/
  57. https://www.nordicdefencesector.com/article/carl-johan-edstrom-new-chief-of-the-defence-staff
  58. https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/who_is_who_221068.htm
  59. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/organisation/headquarters/
  60. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/organisation/the-army/
  61. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/organisation/the-navy/
  62. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjIR7YvVJl4
  63. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/organisation/training-units-schools-and-centres/1st-marine-regiment-amf-1/
  64. https://www.globalfirepower.com/country-military-strength-detail.php?country_id=sweden
  65. https://www.defenseadvancement.com/resources/swedish-armed-forces/
  66. https://www.nti.org/analysis/articles/sweden-submarine-capabilities/
  67. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/04/sweden-looking-at-more-surface-combatants-and-submarines/
  68. https://www.wdmmw.org/swedish-navy.php
  69. https://www.globalmilitary.net/navies/swe/
  70. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/organisation/the-air-force/
  71. https://www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/Press-Room/News-Stories/Article/3732656/swedens-top-military-leaders-visit-norfolk-operational-headquarters-during-nato/
  72. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/organisation/training-units-schools-and-centres/uppland-wing-f-16/
  73. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgNplMJi-Ls
  74. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/organisation/training-units-schools-and-centres/air-combat-training-school-lss/
  75. http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/tag/swedish-air-force
  76. https://www.wdmma.org/swedish-air-force.php
  77. https://euro-sd.com/2025/10/major-news/47338/swaf-accepts-first-gripen-e/
  78. https://www.twz.com/air/gripen-e-fighter-officially-joins-the-swedish-air-force
  79. https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/1164sweden/
  80. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/organisation/home-guard/
  81. https://www.fpri.org/article/2025/08/swedens-role-in-baltic-defense/
  82. https://www.highnorthnews.com/en/sweden-must-take-responsibility-its-own-security
  83. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/se-specialforband.htm
  84. http://www.specwarnet.net/europe/swed_overview.htm
  85. https://www.dw.com/en/conscription-in-europe-the-current-state-of-play/a-73815832
  86. https://www.pliktverket.se/om-myndigheten/in-english
  87. https://www.defensemagazine.com/article/the-inspirational-swedish-model-of-military-service-seven-percent-of-the-most-capable-recruited-annually
  88. https://www.krisinformation.se/en/hazards-and-risks/hojd-beredskap-och-krig/total-defence-service
  89. https://ebco-beoc.org/sweden/2024
  90. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/sweden-eyes-extending-military-officers-conscription-age-70-2025-07-14/
  91. https://www.militarypowerrankings.com/military-power/sweden
  92. https://www.army.mil/article/288788/national_guard_nordic_partnerships_bolster_european_defenses
  93. https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2024-12-18/sweden-reinventing-total-defence-and-a-proactive-stance-nato
  94. https://www.pliktverket.se/download/18.6d8286441939564963937f0/1733732541839/Pliktverket_Monstringsbroschyr_ENG_webb.pdf
  95. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/organisation/training-units-schools-and-centres/
  96. https://www.fhs.se/en/swedish-defence-university/about-sedu/about-us/officer-training/
  97. https://sciendo.com/pdf/10.2478/jms-2025-0004
  98. https://www.hhogman.se/army-rank-insignias-sweden_2019-.htm
  99. https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Military_ranks_of_the_Swedish_Armed_Forces
  100. https://defence24.com/geopolitics/ready-for-war-swedens-total-defence
  101. https://monocle.com/affairs/defence/modern-army-recruitment-tactics-posters/
  102. https://sjms.nu/articles/10.31374/sjms.349
  103. https://www.czdefence.com/article/the-inspirational-swedish-model-of-military-service-seven-percent-of-the-most-capable-recruited-annually
  104. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/news/2025/01/the-army-is-reinforced-with-44-new-tanks/
  105. https://www.twz.com/land/sweden-buys-more-leopard-2-tanks-as-part-of-major-defense-build-up
  106. https://www.army-technology.com/projects/cv90/
  107. https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/four-nordic-countries-to-jointly-procure-hundreds-of-cv90-infantry-fighting-vehicles-to-create-a-unified-mechanized-force
  108. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/patgb-360.htm
  109. https://armyrecognition.com/archives/archives-land-defense/land-defense-2021/swedish-army-to-acquire-127-bae-systems-bandvagn-410-all-terrain-tracked-vehicles
  110. https://www.baesystems.com/en-us/article/sweden-awards-bae-systems-contract-for-additional-48-archer-artillery-systems
  111. https://www.saab.com/products/nlaw
  112. https://www.saab.com/products/at4
  113. https://www.firearmsnews.com/editorial/swedish-ak4-battle-rifle/394993
  114. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/organisation/training-units-schools-and-centres/air-defence-regiment-lv-6/
  115. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/05/sweden-adds-more-stealth-to-nato-asw-capability/
  116. https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2025/october/path-bigger-submarine-fleet-includes-diesels
  117. https://navyleaders.com/news/mid-life-upgrade-of-swedish-submarine-complete/
  118. https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2025/saab-equips-swedish-visby-class-corvettes-with-enhanced-air-defence-capabilities
  119. https://www.naval-technology.com/news/sweden-to-begin-visby-corvette-air-defence-upgrade-from-2026/
  120. https://www.twz.com/sea/swedens-stealthy-visby-corvettes-getting-mk-41-based-vertical-launch-systems-for-air-defense-missiles
  121. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/06/swedens-future-surface-combatant-to-be-known-as-lulea-class/
  122. https://www.globalmilitary.net/air_forces/swe/
  123. https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2025/saab-receives-order-for-ground-based-air-defence-from-sweden
  124. https://breakingdefense.com/2025/06/sweden-inks-900m-iris-t-air-defense-deal-through-european-sky-shield-initiative/
  125. https://www.government.se/press-releases/2025/06/sweden-purchases-new-air-defence-systems-for-the-army/
  126. https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/breaking-news-sweden-closes-air-defence-gaps-with-iris-t-slm-system-acquisition
  127. https://www.saab.com/newsroom/stories/2025/september/the-loke-counter-drone-concept-debuts-in-nato-mission
  128. https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/natos-baltic-shield-strengthens-as-sweden-deploys-anti-aircraft-guns-in-latvia
  129. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/01/17/sweden-unveils-drone-swarm-to-be-paired-with-ground-troops/
  130. https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/artificial-intelligence/swedish-armys-new-ai-drone-swarm-technology-can-control-up-to-100-devices
  131. https://thedefensepost.com/2025/04/16/sweden-unmanned-systems-project-demo/
  132. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/news/2025/07/swedish-armed-forces-develops-new-c-uas-capability/
  133. https://www.armadainternational.com/2025/09/sweden-contracts-saab-for-luuv-sensing-technology-demonstrator-foc/
  134. https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/sweden-fmv-saab-fighter/
  135. https://defensemirror.com/news/40285
  136. https://militaryai.ai/ai-military-strategy-sweden-norway/
  137. https://www.vinnova.se/en/news/2025/04/groundbreaking-technology-for-strengthened-defense/
  138. https://www.government.se/contentassets/f095f1d430164d2c9af6d66a40a30130/strategic-direction-for-defence-innovation.pdf
  139. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/archived-pages/about/our-mission-in-sweden-and-abroad/completed-operations/
  140. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/news/2021/05/the-swedish-armed-forces-to-terminate-the-mission-in-afghanistan/
  141. https://www.government.se/government-policy/sweden-in-the-un/sweden-in-the-un-peace-and-security/
  142. https://www.government.se/government-policy/sweden-in-nato/history-of-sweden-and-nato/
  143. https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_223446.htm
  144. https://www.government.se/government-policy/sweden-in-nato/swedens-role-in-nato/
  145. https://blog.prif.org/2024/10/17/swedens-accession-to-nato-what-is-behind-the-decision/
  146. https://www.government.se/press-releases/2025/03/swedish-nato-operations-in-poland-to-support-ukraine/
  147. https://shape.nato.int/news-archive/2025/one-year-since-accession-sweden-announces-first-contribution-to-nato-air-policing-3
  148. https://www.heritage.org/global-politics/commentary/sweden-natos-newest-member-and-one-its-most-capable
  149. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/swedint/in-focus/swedint-has-been-appointed-as-the-nato-department-head-for-land-operations/
  150. https://www.government.se/government-policy/military-budget/
  151. https://tradingeconomics.com/sweden/military-expenditure
  152. https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/swe/sweden/military-spending-defense-budget
  153. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS?locations=SE
  154. https://www.euractiv.com/news/sweden-to-boost-defence-spending-to-meet-nato-target/
  155. https://www.rid.it/shownews/7562/sweden-rsquo-s-defense-budget-to-grow-again-in-2026
  156. https://breakingdefense.com/2025/09/russian-threat-pushes-sweden-to-additional-2-9-billion-defense-spending-pledge-for-2026/
  157. https://www.euractiv.com/news/sweden-approves-defence-splurge-to-fend-off-russia-hit-nato-target/
  158. https://ycharts.com/indicators/sweden_military_expenditure_gdp
  159. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/swedens-armed-forces-grow-115000-by-2030-government-says-2024-10-15/
  160. https://defensemirror.com/news/37923
  161. https://www.fmv.se/english/procurement/
  162. https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/air/special-report-swedens-defence-minister-details-procurement-drive
  163. https://www.twz.com/air/sweden-pushes-ahead-with-future-tactical-jet-program
  164. https://www.nordicdefencesector.com/article/fmv-orders-heavy-machine-guns-for-cavs-6x6
  165. https://defence-industry.eu/elbit-systems-sweden-expands-to-norrbotten-to-strengthen-support-for-armed-forces-and-digital-defence/
  166. https://www.army-technology.com/news/sweden-call-for-information-before-combat-vehicle-procurement/
  167. https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2025/saab-receives-additional-order-relating-to-the-swedish-a26-submarines
  168. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/10/swedens-a26-submarine-programme-faces-new-delays/
  169. https://www.naval-technology.com/news/saab-sweden-fmv-uncrewed-vehicle/
  170. https://www.government.se/articles/2024/04/swedish-defence-commission-submits-final-report-on-military-defence-strengthened-defence-capability-sweden-as-an-ally/
  171. https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/supreme-commander-not-enough-conscripts-staying-in-swedish-armed-forces-after-military-service
  172. https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/swedes-must-mentally-prepare-for-war-says-military-top-brass
  173. https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/news/2023/01/supreme-commander-comments-on-the-serious-security-situation/
  174. https://www.nordicdefencesector.com/article/forsvarsmakten-har-genomfort-beredskapskontroll
  175. https://www.foi.se/en/foi/news-and-pressroom/news/2024-03-25-the-west-is-taking-defence-seriously-again---which-brings-new-and-lasting-challenges.html
  176. https://nordicdefencereview.com/swedens-defence-strengths-and-weaknesses/
  177. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0095327X211034908
  178. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0095327X231164740
  179. https://sjms.nu/articles/10.31374/sjms.166
  180. https://natoassociation.ca/unpacking-the-debate-on-gender-neutral-conscription-the-sweden-case/
  181. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230522/swedish-military-recruiting-in-arabic-for-the-sake-of-diversity-1110510201.html
  182. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66964723
  183. https://www.thelocal.se/20240115/fact-check-are-immigrants-in-sweden-less-willing-to-defend-the-country
  184. https://portal.research.lu.se/files/158085226/Avhandling_Frida_Linehagen_utan_papers.pdf
  185. https://www.fhs.se/en/swedish-defence-university/stories/2023-10-20-multiple-layers-of-resistance-explain-the-swedish-armed-forces-slow-gender-equality-efforts.html
  186. https://academic.oup.com/ia/article/100/2/589/7617237
  187. https://sjms.nu/articles/10.31374/sjms.69
  188. https://www.msb.se/en/advice-for-individuals/swedish-defence/total-defence--you-are-part-of-swedens-overall-emergency-preparedness/
  189. https://www.msb.se/contentassets/cba1b89036cd4fffa15d10c3e55cee0f/the-governmental-structure-for-swedish-civil-defence-2.0.pptx
  190. https://www.msb.se/en/
  191. https://www.lansstyrelsen.se/english/society/safety-and-preparedness/civil-defence.html
  192. https://sjms.nu/articles/288/files/67938188cb01f.pdf
  193. https://www.government.se/government-of-sweden/ministry-of-defence/organisation/
  194. https://www.vinnova.se/en/calls-for-proposals/civil-military-synergies/acceleration-of-civil-military-innovations-by-2025/
  195. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14702436.2024.2380887
  196. https://frivilligforsvaret.se/om-oss/frivilligforsvaret/
  197. https://www.krisinformation.se/detta-gor-samhallet/mer-om-sveriges-krishanteringssystem/samhallets-ansvar/frivilligorganisationer
  198. https://www.msb.se/sv/amnesomraden/krisberedskap--civilt-forsvar/beredskap-for-aktorer/samverka-med-frivilliga--for-dig-som-ar-offentlig-aktor/
  199. https://www.svenskalottakaren.se/lottakaren-english
  200. https://www.pliktverket.se/monstring-och-varnplikt/monstring/inte-kallad-till-monstring/frivilliga-forsvarsorganisationer
  201. http://www.hhogman.se/homeguard.htm
  202. https://sjms.nu/articles/10.31374/sjms.290
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.