Defence
This policy area deals with the military defence sector and coordination with the civil defence sector, as well as with issues concerning the national total defence service. The area also includes bilateral and multilateral defence and defence equipment cooperation, admission to Swedish territory, defence intelligence operations and communications security.
Responsible for defence
Responsible ministers


Responsible ministry
News about defence
Sweden and Finland signed a memorandum of understanding
During a ceremony in Turku Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist and Finnish Minister of Defence Jussi Niinistö signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Swedish-Finnish Defence Cooperation. Photo: Marinette Nyh Radebo/Government Offices of Sweden During a ceremony in Turku, on 9 July, Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist and Finnish Minister of Defence Jussi Niinistö signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the Swedish-Finnish Defence Cooperation. The agreement provides common political guidance for the defence cooperation.
Swedish Armed Forces
The most important for the Swedish defence during 2016-2020 is to increase the operational capability in the military unit and to secure the collective capability in the total defence.
Budget 2018: Increased military capabilities and enhanced total defence
In its Budget Bill for 2018, the Government proposes allocating an additional SEK 2.7 billion to Sweden’s total defence, of which SEK 2.3 billion for military defence and SEK 0.4 billion for civil defence.
The Swedish Defence Bill 2016-2020
Thursday, April 23, the Government proposed a Defence Bill 2016-2020 for the Parliament. The defence bill is based on a broad political agreement between five parties; the Social Democratic Party, Moderate Party, Green Party, Centre Party and Christian Democrats.
Defence cooperation between Finland and Sweden
In the autumn of 2013, Sweden and Finland announced their intent to deepen their defence cooperation.
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Total 146 hits.
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India’s Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman visited Sweden
India’s Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman visited Sweden on 13 February for meetings with Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist. The purpose of the visit was to sign a security protection agreement between Sweden and India.
India’s Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman visited Sweden -
Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist and India’s Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman to sign security protection agreement
During a ceremony in Stockholm, Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist and India’s Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman will sign a security protection agreement between Sweden and India.
Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist and India’s Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman to sign security protection agreement -
Sweden assumes Chairmanship of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) in 2019
· Article from Ministry of Defence
In 2019 Sweden holds the chairmanship of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO). During the year, the Nordic ministers of Defence will conduct two ministerials and several meetings will be held on political and military levels. Sweden’s priorities during its chairmanship will cover enhanced military cooperation as well as facilitation of armaments cooperation. In 2019 the Nordic countries also celebrates 10 years of defence cooperation within the NORDEFCO format.
Sweden assumes Chairmanship of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) in 2019 -
Strategic Export Controls in 2017 – Military Equipment and Dual-Use Items
In this Communication, the Swedish Government provides an account of Sweden’s export control policy with respect to military equipment and dual-use items in 2017. The Communication also contains a report detailing exports of military equipment during the year. In addition, it describes the cooperation in the EU and other international forums on matters relating to strategic export controls on both military equipment and dual-use items.
Strategic Export Controls in 2017 – Military Equipment and Dual-Use Items -
Sweden and Finland signed a memorandum of understanding
During a ceremony in Turku, on 9 July, Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist and Finnish Minister of Defence Jussi Niinistö signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the Swedish-Finnish Defence Cooperation. The agreement provides common political guidance for the defence cooperation.
Sweden and Finland signed a memorandum of understanding -
Sweden joins the German-led Framework Nations Concept (FNC)
On June 28, the Swedish government tasked the Swedish Armed Forces to take part in the German-led Framework Nations Concept.
Sweden joins the German-led Framework Nations Concept (FNC) -
Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist signs JEF agreement in London
Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist visited London on 27-28 June. Together with his colleagues within the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Minister Hultqvist signed a memorandum of understanding through which JEF reaches full operational capability.
Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist signs JEF agreement in London -
Migration and trade on agenda as heads of state and government meet
· Article from Prime Minister's Office
Migration, EU–US relations, and security and defence will be on the agenda when Prime Minister Stefan Löfven meets his European Council colleagues on 28–29 June.
Migration and trade on agenda as heads of state and government meet -
Development of modern total defence
The 2015 defence bill states that the single most important issue to address in the period of 2016–2020 is to increase the operational warfighting capability of the Armed Forces and to ensure the overall capability of Swedish total defence. The total defence includes all activities preparing the society for war and consists of both civil and military defence. When the Government has declared raised or highest level of alert the total defence includes all societal activities. Vital societal functions include the Riksdag (the Swedish parliament), the Government, government agencies, municipalities, private enterprises, voluntary defence organisations as well as individuals.
Development of modern total defence -
State secretary Jan Salestrand participated in Polish-Swedish roundtable on security policy
· Article from Ministry of Defence
State secretary Jan Salestrand participated in the first Polish-Swedish roundtable on security policy on 4-5 June.
State secretary Jan Salestrand participated in Polish-Swedish roundtable on security policy