Sweden Military Forces 🇸🇪

Strategic Position

Sweden’s geopolitical posture shifted from two centuries of military non-alignment to formal membership in NATO in 2024. This transition integrated Swedish territory into the alliance’s northern flank, specifically within the Baltic Sea and Arctic regions. Primary security concerns focus on the maritime and aerial activities of the Russian Federation, particularly regarding the defense of the island of Gotland, which serves as a central point for controlling Baltic sea lanes.

Sweden maintains regional defense commitments through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO) alongside Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway. It also participates in the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). The national defense doctrine is defined by the "Total Defense" concept, a framework that mandates the integration of military operations with civilian agency preparation to ensure societal resilience during hybrid or conventional conflict.

Military Forces

The Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) are organized into the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Home Guard. Command is centralized under the Supreme Commander and a joint Headquarters. Total active personnel number approximately 25,000, supported by approximately 40,000 Home Guard volunteers and a growing reserve pool generated through a selective conscription system.

The Army operates Stridsvagn 122 main battle tanks and CV90 infantry fighting vehicles. Ground-based fire support is centered on the Archer self-propelled 155mm howitzer system. Air defense capabilities include the Patriot (LvS 103) system for long-range engagement and the IRIS-T (LvS 98) for short-range defense.

The Air Force utilizes the JAS 39 Gripen multirole fighter in both C/D and E configurations. Support assets include GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. Operations are characterized by a decentralized basing concept, utilizing reinforced road strips and dispersed hangars to ensure survivability.

The Navy specializes in littoral warfare within the Baltic archipelago. Surface assets include Visby-class stealth corvettes and Gävle-class corvettes. Submarine operations are conducted by the Gotland-class, equipped with Stirling engine Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP). The Amphibious Corps operates CB90 fast assault craft and specialized coastal defense units.

Specialized capabilities are concentrated in the Särskilda operationsgruppen (SOG), the national special operations unit. Sweden also maintains a Cyber Defense Command tasked with protecting military networks and conducting offensive cyber operations.

Defense Industry

Sweden maintains a domestic defense industrial base that provides a high degree of technological self-sufficiency. Saab AB is the primary manufacturer for the Gripen fighter, GlobalEye AEW&C, and Gotland-class submarines. BAE Systems Hägglunds and BAE Systems Bofors produce the CV90 combat vehicle and Archer artillery system, respectively.

While Sweden produces its own major combat platforms, it relies on the United States for specific high-end capabilities, such as the Patriot missile system and Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Notable export programs include the sale of CV90 vehicles to multiple European nations and the Gripen fighter to Brazil and Hungary. The industry also produces widely exported man-portable systems, including the Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle and the NLAW anti-tank missile.

Strategic Trends

Defense spending is projected at 2.6% of GDP for 2026, reflecting a period of sustained budgetary expansion. The current force structure is expanding from two to four mechanized brigades. Modernization programs for 2025 and 2026 prioritize the delivery of JAS 39 Gripen E fighters and the construction of the Blekinge-class (A26) submarines.

A central shift in doctrine involves the permanent remilitarization of Gotland, including the stationing of a dedicated regiment and air defense assets on the island. Conscription quotas are increasing, with a target of training 10,000 recruits annually by the end of 2026 to fill new units and reserve rosters. Constraints include the limited capacity of training infrastructure and the need to integrate Swedish command and control systems into the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) framework.