Sweden is operating under heightened alert as the government conducted an unprecedented war simulation exercise involving the royal family, armed forces, and parliamentarians. The official announcement was released not only in Swedish but also in Russian, a move that immediately drew attention as Stockholm seeks to strengthen the country’s overall defense. According to the government, this is the first time since the 1990s that an exercise of such scale has been conducted with the participation of all these institutions.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized that “these exercises were carried out at the government’s initiative. It is important to conduct joint exercises, especially given the current security situation. Step by step and exercise by exercise, we strengthen Sweden’s overall defense and resilience.”
War scenario and security
The exercises were based on a scenario involving a declaration of war or imminent danger of military conflict, aimed at examining measures to maintain the country’s security under such critical conditions. The announcement states that the exercises concern the management of incidents at national and international levels that could create pressure or tensions for Sweden, its citizens, and its vital interests.
The Russian translation immediately followed the main announcement, a detail considered particularly symbolic.
Security at the center of Swedish politics
Russia is characterized as the primary threat to Sweden, according to the country’s intelligence and defense services. Following the invasion of Ukraine and Stockholm’s NATO membership in 2024, the government has accelerated military spending increases. An investment of 300 billion kronor, equivalent to 27 billion euros, is planned over the next decade.
