Total defence
Sweden’s total defence involves the whole of society. Total defence is the range of activities required to prepare Sweden for war and consists of two areas of activity – military defence and civil defence.
- Responsible ministers
- Pål Jonson
- Carl-Oskar Bohlin
- Responsible ministries
- Ministry of Defence
News
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Expansion of successful training package for Ukrainian military
Photo: Niklas Forsström/Government Offices The Swedish Government has given the Swedish Armed Forces a framework mandate to carry out and take part in military training of Ukrainian citizens in 2024. Ukraine has greatly appreciated the training support Sweden has provided thus far. Ongoing training activities are now being extended, with the possibility to supplement previous training initiatives with additional activities.
About total defence
Deterrence from war and safeguarding freedom
The objective of total defence is to have the ability to defend Sweden against an armed attack and safeguard our security, freedom, independence and freedom of action.
Total defence is intended to be a war deterrent. This means that if Sweden has a well-functioning total defence and others are aware of it, the risk of attacks and pressure against Sweden will decrease.
Preparedness in peacetime – and heightened alert
Sweden needs to always be prepared to be able to manage various types of threats to our security. This involves preparedness to manage crises during times of peace, such as pandemics, natural disasters, security crises or, ultimately, an armed attack.
Rebuilding
The Government is carrying out the biggest upgrade of our total defence since the 1950s. This process of rebuilding has been ongoing since 2015, when the Government and the Riksdag made the assessment that the global security environment had deteriorated.
Heightened alert
A state of heightened alert may be declared to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities. The Government takes decisions on heightened alert. In a state of heightened alert, the whole of society must help defend the country and ensure that the most important functions are working.
Direction of total defence
The Riksdag decides on the overall direction of Sweden’s total defence. Historically, this has taken place approximately every five years. The current development of total defence builds on the Government Bill Totalförsvaret 2021–2025 (‘Total defence 2021–2025’), which was adopted by the Riksdag in 2020.
The Defence Commission is a forum for consultation between the Government and all political parties in the Riksdag. The Defence Commission is preparing material for the Government ahead of the next Defence Bill.
Current security situation
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 means that Sweden now faces its most serious security crisis since the Second World War.
In crises and heightened alert
In the event of accidents, serious incidents and disruptions in critical infrastructure, as well as in a state of heightened alert, important public announcements are broadcast via radio, television and other channels. In certain cases, text messages and the outdoor warning system may be used.
This is military defence
Military defence will defend Sweden against an armed attack, assert Sweden’s territorial integrity and prevent and manage conflicts and war. For several years, Sweden’s defence has been growing in areas such as war organisation, volumes of personnel, military equipment and training exercises.
This is civil defence
Civil defence encompasses the whole of society and comprises the collective resilience in the event of war or danger of war. Sweden’s resilience is strengthened through the preparedness of individuals, government agencies, municipalities, regions, private companies and non-governmental organisations.
