2015-06-01
Defence consists of military defence as well as civil defence. Thus, the Total Defence
should be based on common planning guidelines, from the government to appropriate
authorities.
The need for psychological defence adapted to present day conditions has also been
identified. Psychological defence seeks to maintain our open and democratic society
with freedom of expression even during extraordinary conditions. It must apply to
peacetime conditions as well as in case of a raised alert, and ultimately during war. The
objective is to uphold our fundamental values. This will improve the ability of Swedish
society to withstand pressure from a potential opponent.
Hybrid warfare and propaganda represents a wide range of activities that can be used in
peace and in war. Sweden must be able to identify and meet such threats as well as to
be able to counter propaganda campaigns.
Cyber defence capabilities are an important part of the Swedish Defence. Vital systems
must be protected from attack. This also requires the ability to carry out active
operations in the cyber domain.
In order for Sweden to respond to changes in our security environment and to be able
to pursue an independent foreign and defence policy, we must have a strong
intelligence capability.
The Swedish Defence Intelligence Authorities consists of the Swedish Armed Forces, the
National Defence Radio Establishment, the Defence Materiel Administration and the
National Defence Research Agency. The deterioration of the security situation clearly
highlights the need of a strong Swedish capability to collect, process, analyse and
produce intelligence. The capabilities of Swedish Defence Intelligence will be reinforced.
With its local focus, the Home Guard is important for the capability of the Swedish
Defence as well as for popular support of the Armed Forces. The voluntary defence
organisations provide important resources both for the Total Defence concept as well as
for the ability to cope with peacetime crises. The voluntary defence organisations also
provide necessary skills and expertise and they have the opportunity to contribute to
the Total Defence concept, and hence, contingency measures.
Military Defence
The Swedish Armed Forces should on their own as well as together with our partners,
both within and outside Swedish territory, be able to defend Swedish security. This will
be done by:
-
asserting Swedish sovereignty and protecting our sovereign rights and our
national interests;
5