Sweden's Defense Strategy: Preparing for Potential Conflicts

Sweden could potentially be drawn into a conflict. The MSB and the Armed Forces have outlined seven scenarios detailing how this might occur.

– It is necessary to ensure everyone truly understands the seriousness of the situation, says Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin (M).

In a new report, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) and the Armed Forces list seven possible scenarios for how Sweden could be involved in a conflict. These examples include conventional military attacks, cyberattacks, sabotage, information influence, terrorism, and economic pressures.

One scenario involves troops landing on Gotland supported by drones and fighter jets. Another describes extensive air attacks with missiles and fighter jets targeting civilian infrastructure in Sweden.

– It provides clarity and straightforwardness about what we are preparing for in the worst-case scenario, says Carl-Oskar Bohlin (M).

Bohlin: A Language of Power Russia Understands

The report is intended to form the basis for how Sweden will plan and develop its total defense over the next five years. It serves as a planning aid for municipalities, regions, authorities, companies, and organizations.

But the purpose is also to deter potential aggressors, according to Bohlin.

– We contribute to NATO's collective deterrence by making it credible to an adversary that we can and will defend ourselves. We thereby project a language of power towards Russia, in this case, that Russia understands.

This reduces the risk of Sweden facing the worst-case scenario, according to him.

– Everyone needs to feel that this is a significant concern, says Carl-Oskar Bohlin.