Total defence

In Sweden, we have a total defence system composed of both military and civil defence. The total defence is to defend Sweden against armed attack, assert our territorial integrity, contribute to peace and security in the world around us and strengthen Swedish society in times of severe peacetime emergencies.

Since the end of the cold war, the threats facing our society have changed. In response, the Swedish total defence is experiencing the most far-reaching reforms in modern times. The military defence system is being transformed from a defence against invasion to an operational defence, which can be adapted to different types of threats and risks in Sweden and abroad.

Military defence

Military defence comprises the Swedish Armed Forces. The military defence system must be able to defend Sweden against armed attack, no matter what its source. The military defence system is also required to assert Sweden's territorial integrity, contribute to peace in the world around us and strengthen Swedish society in times of severe peacetime emergencies.

Sweden's military defence is in the process of becoming a smaller, yet more effective and flexible force. Preparedness, organisation and planning must be designed to allow defence capabilities to adapt to future threats in a long-term perspective.

The Swedish military defence system must be characterised by continual development and renewal, advanced technology and economic efficiency.

Civil defence

Civil defence embraces the whole of society including all the services that need to function in times of crisis or war, such as health care, rescue services and the electricity and water supply. Municipalities, county councils, county administrative boards, central government agencies, many companies and other organisations all have important roles to play in the civil defence sector. Civil defence is not an organisation; it consists of a diverse range of activities conducted by society to strengthen its capacity to deal with heightened alert and war. A broad view should apply the resources created to deal with a war should also be able to be used in times of serious crisis in peacetime.

The objectives of civil defence are to protect the civilian population, contribute to peace and security in the world around us and strengthen society's ability to prevent and manage severe peacetime emergencies.

Each ministry is responsible for civil defence in its own area of activities. The Ministry of Defence is responsible for overall coordination.