A modern defence capability
The Swedish defence system is undergoing one of the largest military reforms to be undertaken by Sweden in modern times as it is transformed from a defence force against invasion to a mobile, flexible operational defence which can both defend Sweden and take part in international operations.
Swedish defence is in the process of transformation, which involves one of the largest reforms to be undertaken in modern times in the field of defence. The Government Bill "Our future defence" (2004/05:5) was presented to the Riksdag on 23 September 2004. The Riksdag approved this Bill.
The basis of this renewal and modernisation was laid down in the Review Bill "A changing world, a reformed defence" (1998/99:74), presented to the Riksdag on 4 March 1999 and in the Government Bill "The new defence" (1999/2000:30), presented on 18 November 1999. The Riksdag approved these Bills in the spring of 1999 and in 2000.
These decisions formed the basis of a modern, flexible and mobile operational defence system based on national total defence service. The units and systems needed in the future should be suitable for use both in defending Sweden and in international operations. The different branches of the Armed Forces will be reorganised and designed to meet the new requirements. It is a matter of a radical transformation, both in terms of size and structure. The new operational organisation entails changes in the size of the training and management organisation, the need for staff, the number of conscripts in national service and their training.
An important part of ongoing reforms is the trend towards network-based defence. This will enable military defence to operate in a network based on modern information and communications technology and will provide Sweden with the means to achieve information superiority. The intention is to be able to deploy operational forces composed according to need, at the right place and at the right time, so as to be able to carry out operations that will achieve the desired effect. The network should be able to function together with other total defence agencies in times of peace, emergencies and war, thereby increasing society's total capacity to handle serious crises or emergencies in a coordinated manner.
In the last decade, focus has increasingly shifted from the relatively stable threat situation of the cold war to a situation characterised by turbulence where accidents and severe peacetime emergencies are strongly influencing our view of the world. Preparedness for threats that are to be met primarily by the Swedish total defence was described in last autumn's defence programme decision. The aim of the Government Bill "Society's security and preparedness" (2001/02:158) is to create a more efficient and coordinated capacity to deal with other extraordinary events.
At the same time, a new agency for crisis management was set up. The task of the Swedish Emergency Management Agency is to improve coordination of planning for severe emergencies and civil defence.
