Swedish defence is organised according to a system called ’totalförsvar’ or ’total defence’ which includes not only fighting forces (army, air force, navy, marines, etc.) but also civilian support forces. People who are included in this system - which can be anything from medical personnel to linemen and truck drivers - have assigned roles and a command structure or ‘krigsplacering’ (wartime assignment). The message that ‘Sweden will never surrender’ is aimed mostly at civilians who are outside of the military command structure but may be included in the civilian support forces. It is not aimed at keeping some bearded Swede with a rusty axe hiding in the north-western mountains for 30 years after Sweden has lost a war, it is aimed at the trucker who may be exposed to enemy propaganda. If Sweden ever were to surrender in war it will most likely be broadcast by the prime minister and/or the king/queen (Sweden is a constitutional monarchy). Until such a time and until such a message is confirmed we’ll just assume that Sweden has not surrendered.

Swedish defence is organised according to a system called ’totalförsvar’ or ’total defence’ which includes not only fighting forces (army, air force, navy, marines, etc.) but also civilian support forces. People who are included in this system - which can be anything from medical personnel to linemen and truck drivers - have assigned roles and a command structure or ‘krigsplacering’ (wartime assignment). The message that ‘Sweden will never surrender’ is aimed mostly at civilians who are outside of the military command structure but may be included in the civilian support forces. It is not aimed at keeping some bearded Swede with a rusty axe hiding in the north-western mountains for 30 years after Sweden has lost a war, it is aimed at the trucker who may be exposed to enemy propaganda. If Sweden ever were to surrender in war it will most likely be broadcast by the prime minister and/or the king/queen (Sweden is a constitutional monarchy). Until such a time and until such a message is confirmed we’ll just assume that Sweden has not surrendered.