The Swedish Armed Forces are one of the nation's largest authorities. Our task is to be responsible for Sweden's military defence. We have the capability for armed combat, and this is what primarily sets the Armed Forces apart from other authorities.
OUR TASK IS DETERMINED BY THE SWEDISH GOVERNMENT AND PARLIAMENT
As the Armed Forces are an authority, it is Parliament and the Government that decide how our activities will be run and what our tasks will be. Each year, the Armed Forces are presented with Appropriation Directions from the Government, setting out Government decisions on activities to be carried out by the authority over the forthcoming year. The Swedish Armed Forces receive approximately SEK 40 billion to perform these tasks. Around half of the money goes to the activities conducted by the units. The other half goes to research, development and materiel systems.
THE FOUR PRINCIPAL TASKS OF THE SWEDISH ARMED FORCES
- When Sweden's borders are violated, it is the task of the Armed Forces to repel the violating party from Swedish territory.
- If Sweden falls under attack from a foreign power, it is the task of the Armed Forces to defend the country and repel the aggressor.
- During catastrophes, such as flooding or storms, it is the task of the Armed Forces to assist through different forms of support missions.
The Swedish Armed Forces also have the task of working for peace and security beyond our borders. We do this by sending troops on peacekeeping and peace enforcing missions around the world.