Introduction
Sweden is one of NATO’s newest members, and beyond the formal commitments to the alliance, its recent policies and defence initiatives suggest an effort to position itself as a reliable and strategically important NATO partner. Despite its relatively small military, Sweden leverages its geographic position, host-nation capabilities and maritime security efforts in the Baltic Sea, alongside defence innovation and a renewed total defence concept. Together, these approaches allow Sweden to strengthen its security role and political relevance in NATO and beyond.
Host-nation capabilities
The changing European security landscape, particularly Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, led Sweden to join NATO on 7th of March 2024. Since then, Sweden has taken on a greater role within the alliance and, on a national level, has bolstered its defence. Recently, Sweden has demonstrated its host-nation capabilities and commitment to the alliance by hosting the meeting of NATO ministers of foreign affairs. Beyond diplomacy, Sweden is also preparing to support allied military operations on its territory through large-scale exercises and infrastructure development. This was demonstrated during the recent Aurora 26 exercise, one of Sweden’s largest military exercises, involving 18,000 troops from 13 different countries. The exercise focused on operational coordination and logistics, which tested Sweden’s ability to function as a host nation during conflict.
These recent events show not only a deep commitment to NATO but also Sweden’s efforts to rapidly establish itself as a dependable northern ally capable of coordinating and facilitating operations in the region.
Maritime security
The Baltic Sea is strategically important to both NATO and Russia. As Chatham House outlined, for Russia, the region remains essential for oil shipping and access to Kaliningrad, home to the Russian Baltic Fleet and associated nuclear capabilities. For Sweden and other NATO members, the sea is increasingly important due to the energy and telecommunications infrastructure located there. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, concerns surrounding sabotage, hybrid threats and sanction evasion have intensified. In response, Sweden increased its maritime surveillance efforts in 2025 and identified five shadow fleet vessels suspected of avoiding sanctions.
Alongside these efforts, Sweden is negotiating a $4 billion deal to acquire frigates from France’s Naval Group to further strengthen its naval capabilities. These ships are to be equipped with Saab’s technology, further linking Sweden’s growing maritime role to its expanding defence industry.
Saab, Sweden’s largest weapons manufacturer, is increasingly developing beyond Swedish territory through deeper defence cooperation with NATO allies. The company has entered a contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) and has also expanded internationally through the sale of military planes to Canada, where it competed against established US defence suppliers. Moreover, Ukrainian President Zelensky recently visited Sweden to discuss potential cooperation surrounding Saab’s Gripen aircraft. The demand for Swedish defence technology demonstrates how Sweden is increasingly positioning itself beyond the military contribution to NATO, as a provider of advanced defence technology and innovation within the alliance.
Total defence
Lastly, Sweden’s total defence approach has become a topic of international attention. Total defence is a whole-of-society policy approach, which places emphasis on civil defence, which in turn provides support to the military dimension. Furthermore, it encompasses a variety of threats, including, but not limited to, war. Unlike Finland, which maintained its total defence model after the Cold War, Sweden gradually dismantled large parts of its system. However, given the threat posed by Russia since 2014, the country has decided to rapidly return to and modernise the concept. As a result, Sweden has become an example of how a state can (re-)construct total defence capabilities, while also facing political and logistical challenges associated with building preparedness. However, NATO membership has also reshaped the total defence concept. It expands the defence beyond Swedish territory, requires Sweden to deter aggression even in peacetime and intensifies Sweden’s role as a basing and transit area. As a result, Sweden’s return to total defence has evolved beyond a purely national policy and increasingly aligns with NATO’s broader focus on preparedness and societal resilience. Sweden’s efforts to rebuild and modernise total defence may strengthen its position within NATO by allowing it to present itself as a valuable model for other member states facing similar challenges.
Conclusion
Sweden has displayed an exemplary role as a new NATO member, and beyond that, it has recognised opportunities associated with membership. By leveraging its geography, defence industry, host-nation capabilities and total defence concept, Sweden is attempting to transform itself from a relatively small military actor into a strategically significant actor within the alliance. Consequently, it is increasing its political and strategic influence within Europe and the NATO alliance. In turn, this has also placed greater demands on defence spending, infrastructure development and long-term planning as Sweden adapts to its expanding role within NATO.
Recommended Reading
Bennesved, Ingemarsdotter & McWilliams (2024). How does NATO membership affect civil defence? Perspectives from Norway and Denmark
Khorrami (2024). Sweden’s Strategic Shift: Navigating NATO Membership and the Path Forward
Mabee & Berndtsson (2026). The politics of the market and the return of Swedish total defence
Moyer (2025). From Partner to Ally: Sweden’s First Year in NATO