View source for Swedish Armed Forces

{{Short description|National military force of Sweden}}
{{Update|date=April 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox national military
| name = Swedish Armed Forces
| native_name = ''Försvarsmakten''
| image = [[File:Försvarsmakten vapen bra.svg|75px|Coat of arms of the Swedish Armed Forces]]
| alt = 
| caption = Armed Forces' coat of arms
| image2 = Naval Ensign of Sweden.svg
| alt2 = 
| caption2 = [[War flag]] and Naval Ensign of Sweden
| motto = 
| founded = {{start date and age|1521}}
| current_form = {{start date and age|df=y|1975}}
| disbanded = 
| branches = {{tree list}}
*[[File:Armén vapen bra.svg|20px|Coat of arms of the Swedish Army]] [[Swedish Army]]
*[[File:Marinen vapen bra.svg|20px|Coat of arms of the Swedish Navy]] [[Swedish Navy]]
**{{nowarp|[[File:Amfibiekåren vapen.svg|20px|Coat of arms of the Amphibious Corps]] [[Swedish Amphibious Corps]]}}
*[[File:Flygvapnet vapen bra.svg|20px|Coat of arms of the Swedish Air Force]] [[Swedish Air Force]]
*[[File:Hemvarnet vapen bra.svg|20px|Coat of arms of the Home Guard]] [[Home Guard (Sweden)|Home Guard]]
{{tree list/end}}
| headquarters = Stockholm
| website = {{URL|forsvarsmakten.se/}}
<!-- Leadership -->| commander-in-chief = [[Government of Sweden|Government]] ([[Kristersson cabinet]])
| commander-in-chief_title = 
| chief minister = 
| chief minister_title = 
| minister = {{Flagicon image|Kommandotecken Försvarsministern.svg|size=25px}} [[Pål Jonson]]
| minister_title = [[Minister of Defence (Sweden)|Minister of Defence]]
| commander = {{Flagicon image|Kommandotecken Överbefälhavaren.svg|size=25px}} [[General (Sweden)|Gen]] [[Michael Claesson]]
| commander_title = [[Chief of Defence (Sweden)|Chief of Defence]]
<!-- Manpower -->| age = 18–47<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lagen.nu/1994:1809 |title=SFS 2010:448. Lag (1994:1809) om totalförsvarsplikt |trans-title=SFS 2010: 448. Act (1994: 1809) on compulsory military service |author=[[Ministry of Defence (Sweden)|Ministry of Defence]] |date=1994-12-15 |website=Lagen.nu |language=sv |access-date=13 November 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101217152457/https://lagen.nu/1994:1809 |archive-date=17 December 2010}}</ref>
| conscription = [[Conscription in Sweden|Yes]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.svd.se/uppgifter-varnplikten-aterinfors/om/nya-varnplikten |title=Värnplikten återinförs – tusentals kallas till mönstring |trans-title=Conscription is reintroduced - thousands are called up for enlistment |language=sv |agency=[[TT News Agency|TT]] |date=2 March 2017 |newspaper=[[Svenska Dagbladet]] |access-date=2 March 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302073213/https://www.svd.se/uppgifter-varnplikten-aterinfors/om/nya-varnplikten |archive-date=2 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/3aq80/regeringsbeslut-i-dag-varnplikten-aterinfors |title=Regeringen inför värnplikt i Sverige – beslut i dag |trans-title=The government introduces conscription in Sweden - decision today |language=sv |first=Christoffer |last=Nilsson |date=2 March 2017 |newspaper=[[Aftonbladet]] |access-date=2 March 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302091759/http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/3aq80/regeringsbeslut-i-dag-varnplikten-aterinfors |archive-date=2 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/aktuellt/2017/03/en-kombination-av-frivillighet-och-plikt/ |title=En kombination av frivillighet och plikt |trans-title=A combination of voluntariness and duty |language=sv |date=2 March 2017 |website=Swedish Armed Forces |access-date=2 March 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302144544/http://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/aktuellt/2017/03/en-kombination-av-frivillighet-och-plikt/ |archive-date=2 March 2017}}</ref>
| active = 25,600,<ref name="Personalsiffror">{{cite web |url=https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/organisation/om-var-organisation/personalsiffror/ |title=Personalsiffror |trans-title=Personnel Figures |language=sv |website=Swedish Armed Forces}}</ref> 88,000 (total during wartime) 130,000  (total wartime goal 2035)<ref name="SVT-Försvarsbeslut">{{cite web | url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/nytt-forsvarsbeslut-klubbat-61-miljarder-ytterligare-till-2030 | title= Nytt försvarsbeslut klubbat: 61 miljarder ytterligare till 2030| language=sv | date=17 December 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.regeringen.se/contentassets/5c98b885c2cc40d58aa3693d34d915d3/totalforsvaret-20252030-prop.-20242534.pdf | title=Regeringens proposition 2024/25:34| date=14 October 2024 }}</ref>
| ranked = 
| reserve = 34,000 (Home guard, part time & reserve officers<ref name="Personalsiffror"/>
| deployed = <!-- Financial -->
| amount = 148 billion SEK, about $16 billion {{small|(2025)}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Riksbanken, räntor och valutakurser |url= https://www.riksbank.se/sv/statistik/rantor-och-valutakurser/sok-rantor-och-valutakurser/?s=g130-SEKUSDPMI&a=D&from=2025-03-12&to=2025-03-12&fs=3#result-section |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=Riksbanken |language=sv}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Regeringskansliet |first=Regeringen och | date=2024-05-02 |title=Försvarsbudget |url=https://www.regeringen.se/regeringens-politik/forsvarsbudget |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=Regeringskansliet |language=sv}}</ref>
| percent_GDP = 2.4% {{small|(2025)}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Regeringskansliet |first=Regeringen och |date=2024-05-02 |title=Försvarsbudget |url=https://www.regeringen.se/regeringens-politik/forsvarsbudget |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=Regeringskansliet |language=sv}}</ref>{{small|(2025)}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Regeringskansliet |first=Regeringen och |date=2024-05-02 |title=Försvarsbudget |url=https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2025/09/regeringen-lagger-fram-forsvarssatsningar-for-ett-starkare-sverige/ |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=Regeringskansliet |language=sv}}</ref>
<!-- Industrial -->| domestic_suppliers = [[BAE Systems AB]]<br />[[Saab AB]]<br />[[Saab Bofors Dynamics]]<br />[[Saab Kockums]]
| foreign_suppliers = 
| imports = 
| exports = <!-- Related articles -->
| history = [[Military history of Sweden]]
| ranks = [[Military ranks of the Swedish Armed Forces]]
}}

The '''Swedish Armed Forces''' ({{langx|sv|Försvarsmakten {{Audio|Sv-Försvarsmakten.ogg| |help=no}}|links=no}}, literally The ''Defence Force'') are the [[Military|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)|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.<sup>2</sup> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Swedish Armed Forces |url=https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780199791279/obo-9780199791279-0005.xml |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=obo |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Personalsiffror"/> Additionally, there are 7,100 reserve officers and 4,700 part-time enlisted soldiers, along with 22,200 soldiers in the Home Guard.<ref name="Personalsiffror"/> 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.<ref name="SVT-Försvarsbeslut"/>

Units of the Swedish Armed Forces are currently on or have taken part in several international operations either actively or as [[military observer]]s, including [[Afghanistan]] as part of the [[Resolute Support Mission]] and in [[Kosovo]] (as part of [[Kosovo Force]]).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/var-verksamhet/internationella-insatser/pagaende-internationella-insatser/ |title=Försvarsmakten utomlands |trans-title=The Armed Forces abroad |language=sv |website=Swedish Armed Forces}}</ref> Moreover, the Swedish Armed Forces contribute as the leading state for a [[EU Battlegroup|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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gozzi |first1=Laura |date=7 March 2024 |title=Sweden formally joins Nato military alliance |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68506223 |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> 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 [[Swedish–Norwegian War (1814)|1814 Swedish–Norwegian War]], although its forces, under the [[United Nations|UN]] flag, have been involved in such conflicts as the [[Congo Crisis]] and the [[2011 military intervention in Libya|military intervention in Libya]].

==Equipment==
{{Main|List of equipment of the Swedish Armed Forces}}{{No references|section|date=June 2024}}
The Swedish army has 121 tanks ([[Stridsvagn 122|Leopard 2/Strv 122]]), roughly 1,540 [[Armoured personnel carrier|APCs]] (Patria [[XA-360]]/[[XA-203|203]]/[[XA-180|180]], [[RG-32 Scout]], [[BvS 10|Bv410]], [[Bv206S|Bv308/309]]), 450 IFVs ([[CV9040]]), 11,300 utility vehicles (ex. [[Bandvagn 206|Bv206/208]], [[Mercedes-Benz G-Class|MB G-Class 6x6 and 4x4]], [[Mercedes-Benz Sprinter|MB sprinter]]), 84 towed and 40 self-propelled mortar ([[120 Krh/40|12 cm grk m/41]], [[Combat Vehicle 90|grkpbv90]]) and 26 self-propelled artillery guns ([[Archer Artillery System|Archer]]). It also consists of several different specialized vehicles.

The Swedish Navy has a total of 387 ships, including 4 [[submarine]]s (3 [[Gotland-class submarine|Gotland]], 1 [[Södermanland-class submarine|Södermanland]]), 7 [[corvette]]s (5 [[Visby-class corvette|Visby]], 2 [[Göteborg-class corvette|Gävle]]), 9 [[minesweeper]]s (5 [[Koster-class mine countermeasures vessel|Koster]], 4 [[Styrsö-class mine countermeasures vessel|Styrsö]]), 13 larger [[patrol boat]]s (2 [[Stockholm-class corvette|Stockholm]] and 11 [[Tapper-class patrol boat|Tapper]]) and 9 specialised ships with different support duties. The rest is made up of different smaller vessels such as the [[CB90-class fast assault craft|CB90]].

Currently the Swedish Airforce has a total of 210 aircraft, 94 of those being [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen|JAS39C/D Gripen]] (60 JAS39E on order), 6 [[C-130H Hercules|C130H Hercules]] (1 with aerial refueling capabilities), 4 [[Saab 340|SAAB 340]] (2 [[Saab 340 AEW&C|AEW&C]] and 2 VIP transport), 4 [[Gulfstream IV]] (2 [[Signals intelligence|SIGINT]] and 2 VIP transport) as well as 15 [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk|UH-60 Blackhawk]], 18 [[NHIndustries NH90|NH90]] and 20 [[AgustaWestland AW109|AgustaWestland]] helicopters. The rest is made up of different transport and trainer aircraft.

== History ==
{{main|Military history of Sweden|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 Vasa|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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ceithernach |date=2021-01-04 |title=The Swedish Military Machine |url=https://medium.com/@ceithernach/the-swedish-military-machine-dd10c6a245f8 |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=Medium |language=en}}</ref>

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 in Sweden|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 [[Swedish nuclear weapons program|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 [[Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons|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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=dpeleschuk |date=2022-05-18 |title=Sweden would strengthen NATO with fresh thinking and an able force |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/sweden-would-strengthen-nato-with-fresh-thinking-and-an-able-force/ |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=Atlantic Council |language=en-US}}</ref>

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 [[Brexit|United Kingdom leaving the European Union]] in 2020, the EU's mutual defence clause ([[Treaty of Lisbon|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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EUR-Lex - mutual_defence - EN - EUR-Lex |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/glossary/mutual-defence-clause.html |access-date=2022-07-08 |website=eur-lex.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kauranen |first=Anne |date=2022-05-11 |title=UK strikes new security agreement with Sweden and Finland |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/uk-strikes-new-security-agreement-with-sweden-finland-2022-05-11/ |access-date=2022-07-08}}</ref>

On June 29, 2022, Finland and Sweden were formally invited to become members of [[NATO]],<ref name="enter">{{cite news |last1=Chatterjee |first1=Phelan |title=Sweden and Finland's journey from neutral to Nato |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61397478 |website=BBC.com |date=10 May 2022 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=23 September 2022}}</ref> and joined respectively in 2023 and 2024.

== Doctrine ==
{{main|Foreign relations of Sweden}}

The Swedish Armed Forces have four main tasks:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/om-forsvarsmakten/Lattlast-information-om-Forsvarsmakten/Forsvarets-fyra-huvuduppgifter/ |title=Försvarets fyra huvuduppgifter |trans-title=The four main tasks of the Armed Forces |language=sv |date=17 September 2013 |website=Swedish Armed Forces |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130917163753/http://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/om-forsvarsmakten/Lattlast-information-om-Forsvarsmakten/Forsvarets-fyra-huvuduppgifter/ |archive-date=17 September 2013}}</ref>
# To assert the territorial integrity of Sweden.
# To defend the country if attacked by a foreign nation.
# To support the civil community in case of disasters (e.g. flooding).
# To deploy forces to international peace support operations.

Sweden aims to have the option of remaining [[neutral country|neutral]] in case of proximate war.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/10660 |title=Sveriges säkerhetspolitik |trans-title=Sweden's security policy |language=sv |date=25 March 2008 |website=Government Office of Sweden |quote=Sverige är militärt alliansfritt. Denna säkerhetspolitiska linje, med möjlighet till neutralitet vid konflikter i vårt närområde, har tjänat oss väl. [Sweden is militarily non-aligned. This line of security policy, with the possibility of neutrality in the event of conflicts in our immediate area, has served us well.] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081019193711/http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/10660 |archive-date=19 October 2008}}</ref> 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]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mil.se/en/Organisation/Units-on-standby/Nordic-Battlegroup/ |title=Nordic Battlegroup |website=Swedish Armed Forces |date=19 January 2009 |access-date=5 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603164432/http://www.mil.se/en/Organisation/Units-on-standby/Nordic-Battlegroup/ |archive-date=3 June 2009}}</ref> and also has a close cooperation, including joint exercises, with [[NATO]] through its membership in [[Partnership for Peace]] and [[Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/2561/a/13848 |title=Sverige och NATO |trans-title=Sweden and NATO |language=sv |website=Government Office of Sweden |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613025353/http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/2561/a/13848 |archive-date=13 June 2011}}</ref> 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).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mil.se/en/About-the-Armed-Forces/Nordic-defence-cooperation/ |title=Nordic defence cooperation |date=6 March 2009 |website=Swedish Armed Forces |access-date=5 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903094308/http://www.mil.se/en/About-the-Armed-Forces/Nordic-defence-cooperation/ |archive-date=3 September 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mil.se/en/About-the-Armed-Forces/Nordic-defence-cooperation/Background-to-cooperation/ |title=Background to cooperation |date=6 March 2009 |website=Swedish Armed Forces |access-date=5 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805093436/http://www.mil.se/en/About-the-Armed-Forces/Nordic-defence-cooperation/Background-to-cooperation/ |archive-date=5 August 2012}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/11431/a/122883 |title=Ett användbart försvar |trans-title=A useful defence |language=sv |date=19 March 2009 |website=Government Office of Sweden |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225044957/http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/11431/a/122883 |archive-date=25 February 2015}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/526/a/3217 |title=Försvarsreformen |trans-title=Defence reform |language=sv |date=18 February 2004 |website=Government Office of Sweden |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601200422/http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/526/a/3217 |archive-date=1 June 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mil.se/en/About-the-Armed-Forces/Our-task/ |title=Our task |date=25 September 2007 |website=Swedish Armed Forces |access-date=5 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803211345/http://mil.se/en/About-the-Armed-Forces/Our-task/ |archive-date=3 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mil.se/en/About-the-Armed-Forces/The-Swedish-military-service-system/ |title=The Swedish military service system |date=28 September 2007 |website=Swedish Armed Forces |access-date=5 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901185632/http://www.mil.se/en/About-the-Armed-Forces/The-Swedish-military-service-system/ |archive-date=1 September 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/11431/a/122883 |title=Ett användbart försvar – med kraftigt stärkt försvarsförmåga |trans-title=A useful defence - with greatly strengthened defensive ability |language=sv |website=Swedish Armed Forces |access-date=25 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225044957/http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/11431/a/122883 |archive-date=25 February 2015}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.acus.org/natosource/most-swedes-doubt-sweden-can-defend-itself |title=Most Swedes doubt Sweden can defend itself |last1=Benitez |first1=Jorge |date=30 April 2013 |website=[[Atlantic Council]] |access-date=30 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130703162506/http://www.acus.org/natosource/most-swedes-doubt-sweden-can-defend-itself |archive-date=3 July 2013}}</ref>

== Organisation ==
{{Location map+ |Sweden
| relief = 1
| width = 480
| float = right
| caption = Swedish Armed Forces main bases 2024<br />[[File:Blue 000080 pog.svg|10px]] Naval Base [[File:Blue 0080ff pog.svg|10px]] Air Base [[File:Green pog.svg|10px]] Infantry Base [[File:Pink pog.svg|10px]] Mechanized Infantry Base<br />[[File:Orange pog.svg|10px]] Cavalry Base [[File:Yellow pog.svg|10px]] Artillery Base [[File:Purple 8000ff pog.svg|10px]] Air Defence Base [[File:Black pog.svg|10px]] Engineer Base
| places =
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Norrbotten Regiment|Norrbotten Rgt.]]}}</small>
    | position = left
    | background = white
    | mark = Green pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 65 | lat_min = 49 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 21 | lon_min = 38 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Västernorrland Regiment|Västernorrland Rgt.]]}}</small>
    | position = left
    | background = white
    | mark = Green pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 63 | lat_min = 10 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 17 | lon_min = 16 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Dalarna Regiment|Dalarna Rgt.]]}}</small>
    | position = left
    | background = white
    | mark = Green pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 60 | lat_min = 36 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 15 | lon_min = 37 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Norrland Dragoon Regiment|Norrland Dragoon Rgt.]]}}</small>
    | position = left
    | background = white
    | mark = Lightgreen pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 65 | lat_min = 35 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 19 | lon_min = 10 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Boden Artillery Regiment|Boden Art. Rgt.]]}}</small>
    | position = right
    | background = white
    | mark = Yellow pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 65 | lat_min = 49 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 21 | lon_min = 46 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Bergslagen Artillery Regiment|Bergslagen Art. Rgt.]]}}</small>
    | position = left
    | background = white
    | mark = Yellow pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 59 | lat_min = 18 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 14 | lon_min = 07 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Skaraborg Regiment (armoured)|Skaraborg Rgt.]]<br />[[Göta Logistic Regiment|Göta Logistic Rgt.]]}}</small>
    | position = left
    | background = white
    | mark = Pink pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 58 | lat_min = 23 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 13 | lon_min = 49 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[South Scanian Regiment|South Scanian Rgt.]]}}</small>
    | position = right
    | background = white
    | mark = Pink pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 55 | lat_min = 44 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 13 | lon_min = 28 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Air Defence Regiment (Sweden)|Air Defence Rgt.]]}}</small>
    | position = right
    | background = white
    | mark = Purple 8000ff pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 56 | lat_min = 40 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 12 | lon_min = 51 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Life Guards (Sweden)|Life Guards]]}}</small>
    | position = right
    | background = white
    | mark = Red pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 59 | lat_min = 29 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 17 | lon_min = 45 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Göta Engineer Regiment|Göta Engineer Rgt.]]}}</small>
    | position = left
    | background = white
    | mark = Black pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 57 | lat_min = 40 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 14 | lon_min = 58 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Life Regiment Hussars|Life Rgt. Hussars]]}}</small>
    | position = right
    | background = white
    | mark = Orange pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 58 | lat_min = 32 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 14 | lon_min = 31 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[1st Marine Regiment (Sweden)|1st Marine Rgt.]]}}</small>
    | position = left
    | background = white
    | mark = Blue pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 58 | lat_min = 59 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 18 | lon_min = 03 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Muskö Naval Base]]}}</small>
    | position = right
    | background = white
    | mark = Blue 000080 pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 58 | lat_min = 59 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 18 | lon_min = 11 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Karlskrona Naval Base]]}}</small>
    | position = right
    | background = white
    | mark = Blue 000080 pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 56 | lat_min = 09 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 15 | lon_min = 35 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Uppland Wing]]}}</small>
    | position = right
    | background = white
    | mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 59 | lat_min = 53 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 17 | lon_min = 36 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Skaraborg Wing]]}}</small>
    | position = left
    | background = white
    | mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 58 | lat_min = 43 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 12 | lon_min = 72 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Blekinge Wing]]<br />3 Helicopter}}</small>
    | position = left
    | background = white
    | mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 56 | lat_min = 14 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 15 | lon_min = 17 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Norrbotten Wing]]<br />1 Helicopter}}</small>
    | position = right
    | background = white
    | mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 65 | lat_min = 31 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 22 | lon_min = 03 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|2 Helicopter}}</small>
    | position = right
    | background = white
    | mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 58 | lat_min = 23 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 15 | lon_min = 31 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = 
    | position = right
    | background = white
    | mark = Brown 804000 pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 58 | lat_min = 23 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 13 | lon_min = 55 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Command and Control Regiment (Sweden)|Command & Control Rgt.]]}}</small>
    | position = left
    | background = white
    | mark = Gold pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 59 | lat_min = 38 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 17 | lon_min = 04 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[National CBRN Defence Centre|CBRN Def. Centre]]}}</small>
    | position = left
    | background = white
    | mark = Purple pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 63 | lat_min = 49 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 20 | lon_min = 16 | lon_dir = E
  }}
    {{Location map~|Sweden
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Gotland Regiment|Gotland Rgt.]]}}</small>
    | position = right
    | background = white
    | mark = Pink pog.svg
    | marksize = 8
    | lat_deg = 57 | lat_min = 38 | lat_dir = N
    | lon_deg = 18 | lon_min = 18 | lon_dir = E
  }}
}}
[[File:1025448 A Swedish JAS-39 Gripen returns to the play areas of the Arctic Challenge exercise Sept. 24, 2013.jpg|thumb|The Swedish multirole fighter, the [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen]].]]
[[File:NH90.jpg|thumb|[[NHIndustries NH90|NH90]] of the Swedish Armed Forces]]
[[File:K32 HMS Helsingborg Anchored-of-Gotska-Sandoen cropped.jpg|thumb|The Swedish [[Visby class corvette]].]][[File:Swedish CV9040.JPG|thumb|The [[Infantry fighting vehicle]] [[Combat Vehicle 90|CV 90]] produced and used by [[Sweden]].]]The [[Chief of Defence (Sweden)|Chief of Defence]], formerly the Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces ({{langx|sv|Överbefälhavaren}}, ÖB), is a [[four-star rank|four-star]] [[General (Sweden)|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 (Sweden)|Minister of Defence]], to the [[Government of Sweden]], which in turn answers to the [[Riksdag]]. The current chief of defence is General [[Michael Claesson]].<ref name= gould2021>{{cite web |url=https://www.defensenews.com/interviews/2021/12/27/swedens-top-general-on-watching-russia-and-responding-to-an-invasion-of-ukraine/ |title=Sweden's top general on watching Russia and responding to an invasion of Ukraine |first=Joe |last=Gould |date=27 December 2021 |website=Defense News}}</ref>

Before the enactment of the [[Instrument of Government (1974)|1974 Instrument of Government]], the [[King of Sweden]] was the [[de jure]] [[Commander in Chief#Sweden|commander in chief]] ({{langx|sv|högste befälhavare}}). Since then, [[King of Sweden|King]] [[Carl XVI Gustaf]] is still considered to hold the [[Title of honor|honorary]] ranks of general and admiral ''[[à la suite]]'', but the role is entirely ceremonial.<ref name="kungahuset.se">{{cite web |url=http://www.kungahuset.se/royalcourt/monarchy/themonarchyinsweden/dutiesofthemonarch.4.396160511584257f2180003302.html |title=Duties of the Monarch |website=[[Royal Court of Sweden]] |access-date=19 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316041821/http://www.kungahuset.se/royalcourt/monarchy/themonarchyinsweden/dutiesofthemonarch.4.396160511584257f2180003302.html |archive-date=16 March 2015}}</ref>

The Swedish Armed Forces consists of three service branches; the [[Swedish Army|Army]], the [[Swedish Air Force|Air Force]] and the [[Swedish Navy|Navy]], with addition of the [[military reserve force]] [[Home Guard (Sweden)|Home Guard]]. Since 1994, the first three service branches are organized within a single unified government agency, headed by the [[Chief of Defence (Sweden)|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 ===
The [[Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters]] is the highest level of command in the Swedish Armed Forces.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mil.se/templates/Mil_UnitStartpage.aspx?id=10130&epslanguage=EN |title=Armed Forces Headquarters (HKV) |date=1 December 2008 |website=Swedish Armed Forces |access-date=5 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728161758/https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/ |archive-date=28 July 2020}}</ref> It is led by the [[Chief of Defence (Sweden)|Chief of Defence]] (formerly the Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces) with a civilian [[Director General of the Swedish Armed Forces|director-general]] as his deputy, with functional directorates having different responsibilities (e.g. the [[Swedish Military Intelligence and Security Service|Military Intelligence and Security Service]]). Overall, the Armed Forces Headquarters has about 2,100 employees, including civilian personnel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mil.se/templates/Mil_UnitStartpage.aspx?id=7212&epslanguage=SV |title=Högkvarteret (HKV) |trans-title=Headquarters |language=sv |website=Swedish Armed Forces |access-date=3 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202042943/http://www.mil.se/sv/I-Sverige/Hogkvarteret-HKV/ |archive-date=2009-02-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mil.se/upload/Forband/HKV/hkv-org.pdf |title=Högkvarterets organisation |language=sv |website=Swedish Armed Forces |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220141900/http://www.forsvarsmakten.se/upload/Forband/HKV/hkv-org.pdf |archive-date=2012-02-20}}</ref>

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

*Artillery Combat School (''ArtSS'') located in [[Boden, Sweden|Boden]]
*Armed Forces Technical School (''FMTS'') located in [[Halmstad]]
*Air Warfare Centre (''LSS'') located in [[Uppsala]]
*Armed Forces Interpreter/Interrogator School (''TolkS'') located in [[Uppsala]]
*[[Swedish Defence University]] (''FHS'') located in Stockholm
*Field Work School (''FarbS'') located in [[Eksjö]]
*Air Force Air Officer School (''FBS'') located in [[Uppsala]]
*[[Swedish Parachute Ranger School]] (''FJS'') located in [[Karlsborg]]
*Flight School (''FlygS'') located in [[Linköping]]/[[Malmen Airbase|Malmen]]
*Helicopter Combat School (''HkpSS'') located in [[Linköping]]/[[Malmen Airbase|Malmen]]
*[[National Home Guard Combat School]] (''HvSS'') located in [[Södertälje]]
*Command School (''LedS'') located in [[Enköping]]
*Anti-Aircraft Combat School (''LvSS'') located in [[Halmstad]]
*Military Academy Halmstad (''MHS H'') located in [[Halmstad]]
*[[Military Academy Karlberg]] (''MHS K'') located in Stockholm/[[Karlberg Palace|Karlberg]]
*[[Land Warfare Centre (Sweden)|Land Warfare Centre]] (''MSS'') located in [[Skövde]] also a detachment in [[Borensberg|Kvarn]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www2.mil.se/en/About-the-Armed-Forces/Organisation/Address-list/ |title=Address list |date=1 October 2007 |website=Swedish Armed Forces |access-date=28 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410072412/http://www2.mil.se/en/About-the-Armed-Forces/Organisation/Address-list/ |archive-date=10 April 2008}}</ref>
*[[Swedish Naval Warfare Centre]] (''SSS'') located in [[Karlskrona]] and Stockholm/[[Berga Naval Base|Berga]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/career-in-the-swedish-armed-forces/training-centres/ |title=Training Centres |website=Swedish Armed Forces |access-date=25 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320003559/http://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/career-in-the-swedish-armed-forces/training-centres/ |archive-date=20 March 2015}}</ref>

=== Centres ===
*[[File:Försvarsmaktens sjukvårdscentrum vapen.svg|20px]] [[Swedish Armed Forces Centre for Defence Medicine]] (''FömedC'') located in [[Gothenburg]], with a section in [[Linköping]]
*[[File:Försvarsmaktens logistik vapen.svg|20px]][[Swedish Armed Forces Logistics]] (''FMLOG'') located in Stockholm, [[Boden, Sweden|Boden]], [[Karlskrona]] and [[Arboga]]
*Armed Forces Intelligence and Security Centre (''FMUndSäkC'') located in [[Uppsala]]
*Armed Forces Musical Centre (''FöMusC'') located in Stockholm/[[Kungsängen]]
*Recruitment Centre (''RekryC'') located in Stockholm
*[[File:Totalförsvarets skyddsskola vapen.svg|20px]] [[National CBRN Defence Centre]] (''SkyddC'') located in [[Umeå]]
*Swedish EOD and Demining Centre (''SWEDEC'') located in [[Eksjö]]
*Swedish Armed Forces International Center (''Swedint'') located in Stockholm/Kungsängen

==== Nordic Battlegroup ====
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 Battlegroup]]s. The headquarter garrison for this group is currently situated in [[Enköping]], [[Sweden]].

=== International deployments ===
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 [[observation|observer]]s from Sweden have been sent to a large number of countries, including [[Georgia (country)|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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/our-mission-in-sweden-and-abroad/current-missions/korea-nnsc/ |title=Korea – NNSC |website=Swedish Armed Forces |access-date=25 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406032909/http://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/about/our-mission-in-sweden-and-abroad/current-missions/korea-nnsc/ |archive-date=6 April 2016}}</ref> It was revealed in 2025 that Sweden was assisting the [[US intervention in Somalia (2007–present)|US in Somalia]], primarily in regards to identification of killed and captured terrorists.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlsson |first=Mattias |date=2025-10-13 |title=Svenska soldaternas roll i USA:s terrorkrig |url=https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/sverige/svenska-soldaternas-hemliga-roll-i-usas-terrorkrig/ |access-date=2025-10-13 |website=[[Expressen]] |language=sv}}</ref>

====Past deployments====
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 [[Stabilisation Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina|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 ==
=== From national service to an all-volunteer force ===
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.<ref name="hv0702no1Facts">{{cite journal |last=Ivarsson |first=Ulf |title=Pendeln måste slå tillbaka |trans-title=The pendulum must swing back |language=sv |journal=Hemvärnet |page=5 |issue=1 |date=February 2007}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.dn.se/nyheter/politik/forsvarsberedningen-foreslar-fyra-nya-regementen-och-utokad-verksamhet-pa-flera-platser/ |title=Försvarsberedningen föreslår fyra nya regementen och utökad verksamhet på flera platser |trans-title=The Defence Committee proposes four new regiments and expanded operations in several places |language=sv |date=14 May 2019 |newspaper=[[Dagens Nyheter]] |access-date=14 May 2019}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|
! National Service Force 1995 || Selective Service Force 2010 || All-Volunteer Force 2019 || Selective Service Force/Volunteer Force 2025
|- style="text-align:right;"
|align=left| Maneuver units || 15 brigades || 2 battalions || 7 battalions || 3 brigades
|- style="text-align:right;"
|align=left| Auxiliary units || 100 battalions || 4 companies || 14 battalions || ?
|- style="text-align:right;"
|align=left| Readiness || 1 to 2 days || 90 days || 7 days || ?
|}
{{Clear}}

=== Re-implementing conscription ===
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.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Persson |first1=Alma |last2=Sundevall |first2=Fia |date=17 December 2019 |title=Conscripting women: gender, soldiering, and military service in Sweden 1965–2018 |journal=[[Women's History Review]] |volume=28 |issue=7 |pages=1039–1056 |doi=10.1080/09612025.2019.1596542 |issn=0961-2025 |doi-access=free}}</ref> The motivation behind reactivating conscription was the need for personnel, as volunteer numbers proved to be insufficient to maintain the armed forces.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sweden-military/sweden-returns-draft-amid-security-worries-and-soldier-shortage-idUSKBN1690ND |title=Sweden returns draft amid security worries and soldier shortage |first1=Daniel |last1=Dickson |first2=Bjorn |last2=Rundstrom |name-list-style=amp |date=2 March 2017 |website=[[Reuters]]}}</ref>

The Swedish defence forces are currently educating 5,000-6,000 conscripts per year.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.fokus.se/aktuellt/peter-hultqvist-s-oka-antalet-varnpliktiga-fran-5-000-till-8-000/ | title=Peter Hultqvist (S): Öka antalet värnpliktiga från 5 000 till 8 000 | newspaper=Fokus | date=13 January 2020 }}</ref> However, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the defence forces stated that there is a need for significantly more than the current.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tv4.se/artikel/6OHMDde5ivjXG7FDgrfiR/befael-inom-foersvaret-vi-behoever-fler-vaernpliktiga | title=TV4.se | date=12 March 2022 }}</ref> By December 2022, it was announced to increase the yearly conscripted to 10,000 by the end of 2035.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/snabbkollen/mal-10-000-varnpliktiga-fore-2035 | title=Mål: 10 000 värnpliktiga före 2036 | newspaper=SVT Nyheter | date=23 December 2022 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tv4.se/artikel/3r6iEcGocIDUSsJTn1FOUm/sifo-en-majoritet-av-svenskarna-vill-att-fler-goer-vaernplikten | title=TV4.se | date=17 March 2022 }}</ref>

=== Personnel structure ===
[[File:Swedish pvt and CV90-40C in California.jpg|thumb|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
[[File:Holstebro Øvelsesplads 2106 160523-A-RJ696-059 (26790201094).jpg|thumb|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 ===
{| class="wikitable" width=50% |
|- bgcolor="F1F1F1"
! align="left" width="160" | Category 
! align="left" width="160" | Continuously serving 
! align="left" width="160" | Part-time serving
! align="left" width="160" | Contracted
|-
| OFF || 3,900 OFF/K || 2,600 OFF/T || –
|-
| SO || 4,900 SO/K || <small>''included in the above''</small> SO/T || –
|-
| GSS || 6,600 GSS/K || 9,500 GSS/T || –
|-
| [[Home Guard (Sweden)|Home Guard]] || – || – || 22,000
|}
[[File:Svenska-försvaret-1965-2010.gif|thumb|300px|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.<ref>{{cite report |url=https://kkrva.se/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/FOI-Frivilliga-soldater.pdf |title=Frivilliga soldater istället för plikt – internationella erfarenheter och ekonomiska konsekvenser |trans-title=From conscription to an all-volunteer force – international experiences and economic consequences |language=sv |first1=Ulf |last1=Jonsson |first2=Peter |last2=Nordlund |date=November 2012 |publisher=The Swedish Defence Research Agency |via=[[Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences]]}}</ref>

=== Criticism and research ===
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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dn.se/debatt/karriarstyrda-officerare-skapar-inkompetent-forsvar/ |title=Karriärstyrda officerare skapar inkompetent försvar |trans-title=Career-driven officers create an incompetent defence |language=sv |date=6 November 2008 |newspaper=[[Dagens Nyheter]] |access-date=28 March 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114190543/http://www.dn.se/debatt/karriarstyrda-officerare-skapar-inkompetent-forsvar |archive-date=14 November 2012}}</ref> Major changes have been made to the officer system since then.{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}

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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.svd.se/nyheter/inrikes/forsvar-med-tidsgrans_7789308.svd |title=Försvar med tidsgräns |trans-title=Defence with a time limit |language=sv |first=Mikael |last=Holmström |date=2012-12-30 |newspaper=[[Svenska Dagbladet]] |access-date=25 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323232126/http://www.svd.se/nyheter/inrikes/forsvar-med-tidsgrans_7789308.svd |archive-date=23 March 2015}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.svd.se/nyheter/inrikes/ryska-bombflyg-ovade-mot-sverige_8698898.svd |title=Ryska bombflyg övade mot Sverige |trans-title=Russian bombers practiced against Sweden |language=sv |date=2013-11-06 |agency=TT |newspaper=[[Svenska Dagbladet]] |access-date=25 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415032441/http://www.svd.se/nyheter/inrikes/ryska-bombflyg-ovade-mot-sverige_8698898.svd |archive-date=15 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.svd.se/nyheter/inrikes/ryskt-flyg-ovade-anfall-mot-sverige_8108894.svd |title=Ryskt flyg övade anfall mot Sverige |trans-title=Russian aircraft practiced attacks on Sweden |language=sv |first=Mikael |last=Holmström |date=2013-04-22 |newspaper=[[Svenska Dagbladet]] |access-date=25 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323232149/http://www.svd.se/nyheter/inrikes/ryskt-flyg-ovade-anfall-mot-sverige_8108894.svd |archive-date=23 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/article17628436.ab |title=Majoritet vill rusta militärt mot Ryssland |trans-title=Majority wants to equip military against Russia |language=sv |first=Nivette |last=Dawod |date=10 October 2013 |newspaper=[[Aftonbladet]] |access-date=25 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225044425/http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/article17628436.ab |archive-date=25 February 2015}}</ref> In August 2019, the government announced a bank tax to fund the military spending.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190901-sweden-tax-banks-finance-military-spendings |title=Sweden announces bank tax to finance military spending |date=1 September 2019 |website=[[France 24]] |access-date=1 September 2019}}</ref>

=== Ranks ===
[[File:Lieutenant_General_Michael_Claesson,_Chief_of_the_Defense_Staff,_Armed_Forces_of_Sweden,_at_the_Pentagon,_Washington,_D.C.,January_22,_2024_(cropped).jpg|thumb|Gen. [[Michael Claesson]], the [[Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces|Chef of Defence of the Swedish Armed Forces]].]]

{{Main|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 officer]]s (''underofficerare'') and [[non-commissioned officer]]s (''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 officer]]s were elevated further so that

*i. The [[lowest warrant officer]], ''sergeant'', had relative rank just below the lowest officer rank, fänrik.
*ii. [[The second warrant officer rank]], ''fanjunkare'', had relative rank between fänrik and löjtnant
*iii. [[The highest warrant officer rank]], ''förvaltare'', had relative rank between first lieutenant and captain.

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==
===Budget and personnel numbers===

The [[Government of Sweden|Swedish government]] has decided to increase the [[military budget|military budge]]t to 2.6 percent of [[Gross domestic product|GDP]] by 2028. Furthermore, by 2030, they plan to increase the number of [[Conscription|conscripts]] to 10,000 and to have a [[standing army|standing force]] of four [[brigade]]s. In 2027, the budget for [[Military science|military research]] will increase by 50% to 1.6 billion [[Swedish krona|SEK]]. By 2030, the number of employees is expected to increase to 115,000, and to 130,000 by 2035.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2024/10/nytt-totalforsvarsbeslut-for-ett-starkare-sverige2/|title=Nytt totalförsvarsbeslut för ett starkare Sverige|first=Regeringen och|last=Regeringskansliet|date=15 October 2024|website=Regeringskansliet}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forsvarssektorn.se/article/regeringen-presenterar-ny-totalfoersvarsproposition/|title=Regeringen presenterar ny totalförsvarsproposition|website=Försvarssektorn |date=15 October 2024 }}</ref>

'''Planned military budget<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.regeringen.se/regeringens-politik/forsvarsbudget/|title=Försvarsbudget|first=Regeringen och|last=Regeringskansliet|date=2 May 2024|website=Regeringskansliet}}</ref>'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! 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===

[[Sweden]] has also put an order on 44 [[Leopard 2]] [[tank]]s 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 [[truck]]s from [[Scania AB|Scania]] and [[Volvo]]. They will cost approximately 1.4 billion [[Swedish krona|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.
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/aktuellt/2023/03/nya-eldhandvapen-pa-gang/|title=Nya eldhandvapen på gång - Försvarsmakten}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2025/01/nya-stridsvagnar-och-renoverade-stridsfordon-lyfter-svenska-forsvarets-formaga/|title=Nya stridsvagnar och renoverade stridsfordon lyfter svenska försvarets förmåga|first=Regeringen och|last=Regeringskansliet|date=9 January 2025|website=Regeringskansliet}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fmv.se/aktuellt--press/aktuella-handelser/fmv-bestaller-lastbilar-till-forsvarsmakten/|title=FMV beställer lastbilar till Försvarsmakten|website=www.fmv.se}}</ref>

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 90]]s will also be strengthened, with 10 units ordered from [[Saab AB|Saab]] in 2024 for approximately 400 million [[Swedish krona|SEK]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skippo.se/nyheter/forsvarsmakten-bestaller-10-stycken-stridsbat-90|title=Försvarsmakten beställer 10 stycken Stridsbåt 90|website=www.skippo.se}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fmv.se/aktuellt--press/aktuella-handelser/fmv-tecknar-kontrakt-pa-nya-arbetsfartyg-till-forsvarsmakten/|title=FMV tecknar kontrakt på nya arbetsfartyg till Försvarsmakten|website=www.fmv.se}}</ref>

== Other government agencies reporting to the Ministry of Defence ==
{{main|Government agencies in Sweden}}
*[[Defence Materiel Administration|Swedish Defence Materiel Administration]], or ''Försvarets materielverk (FMV)''
*[[Swedish National Service Administration]], or ''Plikt- och prövningsverket''
*[[Swedish Defence University]], or ''Försvarshögskolan''
*[[National Defence Radio Establishment|Swedish National Defence Radio Establishment]], or ''Försvarets radioanstalt (FRA)''
*[[Swedish Defence Research Agency]], or ''Totalförsvarets forskningsinstitut (FOI)''
*[[Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency]], or ''Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap''

== Voluntary defence organisations ==
*[[Home Guard (Sweden)|Home Guard]]
*[[Swedish Women's Voluntary Defence Organization|Swedish Women's Voluntary Defence Organisation]] ("Lottorna")

== See also ==
*[[Sweden–NATO relations]]
*[[Scandinavian defence union]]
*[[Allotment system#Conscription|Origins of Swedish conscription system]]
*[[Swedish Fortifications Agency]]
*[[National Inspectorate of Strategic Products (Sweden)|Swedish National Inspectorate of Strategic Products]]
*[[List of wars involving Sweden]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
Manpower-numbers are taken from {{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/sweden/ |title=The World Factbook|date=21 June 2022 }}

* [1] Swedish Army - Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from [[Swedish Army|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_Army]]
* [2] About FMV. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://www.fmv.se/english/about-fmv/
* [3] Sweden unveils historical military rearmament plan - The Barents Observer. (2025, March 27). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://www.thebarentsobserver.com/security/sweden-unveils-historical-military-rearmament-plan/427418
* [4] News - Swedish Armed Forces - Försvarsmakten. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/news/
* [5] Unprecedented rise in global military expenditure as European and Middle East spending surges | SIPRI. (2025, April 28). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2025/unprecedented-rise-global-military-expenditure-european-and-middle-east-spending-surges
* [6] Overview of the Swedish Armed Forces - defence Advancement. (2024, December 27). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from [https://www.defenseadvancement.com/resources/swedish-armed-forces/ https://www.defenceadvancement.com/resources/swedish-armed-forces/]
* [7] Swedish Armed Forces - Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_Armed_Forces
* [8] Annual Report 2024 - Försvarsmakten. (2025, March 19). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/contentassets/546bbe13064a4c739e1cbc4b5e4571f7/2024-must-annual-report.pdf
* [9] Sweden is 'no longer a country that cannot be trusted' - BBC. (2025, March 5). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdjyxljyjxno
* [10] About NATO membership - MSB. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://www.msb.se/en/advice-for-individuals/swedish-defence/about-nato-membership/
* [11] Sweden Buys More Leopard 2 Tanks As Part Of Major defence Build-Up - The War Zone.<sup>41</sup> (2025, January 9). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from [https://www.twz.com/land/sweden-buys-more-leopard-2-tanks-as-part-of-major-defense-build-up https://www.twz.com/land/sweden-buys-more-leopard-2-tanks-as-part-of-major-defence-build-up]
* [12] Sweden to upgrade Stridsvagn 122 tanks due to the war in Ukraine - Militarnyi. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://militarnyi.com/en/news/sweden-to-upgrade-stridsvagn-122-tanks-due-to-the-war-in-ukraine/
* [13] Activities - Swedish Armed Forces - Försvarsmakten. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/activities/
* [14] Utveckling med fokus på det civila försvaret med det väpnade angreppet som dimensionerande – MSB:s årsredovisning för 2024 är beslutad.<sup>42</sup> (2025, February 28). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://www.msb.se/sv/aktuellt/nyheter/2025/februari/utveckling-med-fokus-pa-det-civila-forsvaret-med-det-vapnade-angreppet-som-dimensionerande--msbs-arsredovisning-for-2024-ar-beslutad/

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}

{{Swedish Armed Forces}}
{{Ministry of Defence (Sweden)}}
{{Sweden topics}}
{{Military of Europe}} 
{{Militaries of European Union member states}}
{{North Atlantic Treaty Organization}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Defence agencies of Sweden]]
[[Category:Government agencies of Sweden|Armed Forces]]
[[Category:Military of Sweden| ]]
[[Category:Permanent Structured Cooperation]]