# Military equipment of Sweden during the Cold War

Sweden played a role of major importance during the Cold War, despite not officially participating. Sweden's location made it an ideal base of operations for both the Soviet Union and the United States. Sweden was never invaded throughout the war, mainly due to their strong defensive power - ranked among the top five in the world at this time.

## Army
### Personal equipment

| Name | Image | Origin | Type | Quantity | Years in service | Notes |
| Uniforms and Gears |||||||
| m/1952 | M/1952 uniform jacket shown in museum.M/1952 uniform peaked cap shown in museum. | Sweden | Service dress uniform | Unknown | 1952-???? | |
| m/1954 | | Sweden | Guard duty uniform | Unknown | 1954-???? | Kit consisted of a white helmet, belt, gloves and ankle gaiters. "White outfit m/1954" was a collective term for the kit. It was used by the army together with uniform m/1952 and later to uniform m/1960 for guard duty. |
| m/1958 | Field uniform m/1958. (From the Army Museum's collections). | Sweden | Combat uniform | Unknown | 1958-???? | Produced in parallel with m/1959 uniform. Intended for winter use. |
| m/1959 | Soldier in m/1959 uniform with automatkarbin 4. | Sweden | Combat uniform | Unknown | 1958-???? | Intended for summer use. |
| Combat Helmets |||||||
| m/1921 | Swedish soldier with m/1921 helmet and m/1923 gas mask. | Sweden | Steel helmet | Unknown | 1921-???? | |
| m/1926 | M/1926 helmet. | Sweden | Steel helmet | Unknown | 1926-???? | Used primarily by the Swedish Civil Defense. |
| m/1937 | M/1937 helmet. | Sweden | Steel helmet | Unknown | 1937-1990s | The m/1937 would see modernization in 1965, with an updated liner. |
| m/1990 | M/1990 helmet with an M90 camouflage pattern cover. | Sweden | Kevlar helmet | Unknown | 1990s-???? | Two versions were made that were virtually identical but had different inner linings. |

### Small arms

| Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Years in service | Notes |
| Pistol m/39 | Germany | Semi-automatic pistol | Pistol m/38 | 1,500 | 1939-???? | Walther-built Model HP |
| Pistol m/40 | Finland Sweden | Semi-automatic pistol | Pistol m/40Pistol m/40B | 100,000 | 1940-1990s | License-built Lahti L-35, manufactured by Husqvarna |
| Pistol 88 | Austria Sweden | Semi-automatic pistol | Glock 17 (pist 88)Glock 19 (pist 88B) | Unknown | 1980s-present | Modern standard-issue sidearm |
| Kulsprutepistol m/37 | Finland Sweden | Submachine gun | Kpist m/37kpist m37-39 | 35,000 | 1939-1980s | 9 mm Browning Long 9 mm Parabellum |
| Kulsprutepistol m/39 | Germany Sweden | Submachine gun | M39 | Unknown | 1940s-???? | - |
| MP 18 | German Empire | Submachine gun | MP 18 | Unknown | 1920s-???? | - |
| Kpist m/45 | Sweden | Submachine gun | M/45M/45BM/45CM/45BEM/45BETM/45S | Unknown | 1945–2007 | Standard version Minor improvementsComes equipped with a bayonet mountSelective-fire version, used by policeComes equipped with a tear gas launcherUses a 50-round coffin magazine |
| Gevär m/96 | Sweden | Bolt-action rifle | M/1894M/1896M/1938M/1941M/1941B | 127,000535,00088,0005,3005,300 | 1895-1980s | - |
| Gevär m/39 gevär m/40 | Germany Sweden | Bolt-action anti-tank rifle | Kar 98k | 5,000 | 1939-1970s | Rechambered from the original 8 × 57 IS to 8×63mm patron m/32 |
| Automatgevär m/42 | Sweden | Self-loading rifle | Ag m/42AAg m/42B | Unknown | 1942–1965 | - |
| Automatkarbin 4 | Germany Sweden | Battle rifle | AK4AK4BAK4OR | Unknown | 1965–present | Standard versionEquipped with Aimpoint red dot sightEquipped with 4×24 telescopic sight |
| Automatkarbin 5 | Sweden | Assault rifleDesignated marksman rifleAssault rifleAssault rifleCarbinePolice combat rifle | FFV Ak 5FFV Ak 5BBofors Ak 5CBofors Ak 5CFBofors Ak 5DCGA5P | UnknownUnknownUnknown40,000UnknownUnknown | 1986–present | Modern standard-issue assault rifle4× tritium sightMultiple modifications by BoforsMultiple modifications by BoforsLightweight carbine versionSemi-automatic version with improved accuracy |
| Kulsprutegevär m/21 Kg m/37, kg m/21-37 | United States/ Belgium Sweden | Automatic rifle | Model 1919 | Unknown | 1921–1980 | - |
| Kulsprutegevär m/40 | Sweden | Automatic rifle | KG m/40 | 5,000 | 1940-???? | - |
| Kulspruta m/41 | Sweden | Medium machine gun | Kulspruta m/41 | Unknown | 1910s-1940s | - |
| Kulspruta m/58 | Belgium Sweden | General-purpose machine gun | Ksp 58Ksp 58BKsp 58 Strv | Unknown | 1958–present1972–present1958-1990s | Standard versionRechambered to 7.62×51mm NATOEquipped for the Strv 103 |
| Kulspruta 90 | Belgium Sweden | Light machine gun | Ksp 90Ksp 90B | Unknown | 1980s-present | - |
| Kulspruta 95 | Soviet Union Sweden | Squad automatic weapon | Ksp 95 | Unknown | 1980s-present | - |
| Kulspruta m/39 | United States Sweden | Medium machine gun | Ksp m/39 | Unknown | 1940s-present | - |
| Kulspruta m/94 | Germany | General-purpose machine gun | Ksp m/94 | Unknown | 1960s-present | - |
| Tung Kulspruta 12,7 mm | United States | Heavy machine gun | Tksp 12,7 mm | Unknown | 1940s-present | - |
| Granatspruta40 mm | United States | Automatic grenade launcher | Grsp 40 mm | Unknown | 1970s-present | - |
| M203 | United States | Grenade launcher | M203 | Unknown | 1970s-present | - |
| Granatgevär m/48 | Sweden | Multirole recoilless rifle | Grg m/48 | Unknown | 1948–present | Then standard-issue rocket launcher/anti-tank weapon |
| Raketgevär 46 | United States Sweden | Recoilless anti-tank weapon | Raketgevär 46 | Unknown | 1940s-1960s | - |
| Pansarskott m/68 | Sweden | Recoilless anti-tank weapon | Pskott m/68 | Unknown | 1968-1980s | - |
| Robotsystem 69 | United States Sweden | Man-portable air-defence system | RBS 69 | Unknown | 1968-1990s | - |
| Robotsystem | Sweden | Man-portable air-defence system | RBS 70 | Unknown | 1977–present | - |

### Armored fighting vehicles

The Swedish army during the Cold War possessed more or less 24,000 ground vehicles, including 2,354 tanks, 1,257 armored fighting vehicles, and up to 20,000 utility vehicles.
| Vehicle | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Years in service | Notes |
| Pltgb 903 | Sweden | 4×4 infantry truck4×4 infantry truck4×4 communications vehicle4×4 anti-tank vehicleATGM carrierFirefighting vehicle | Pltgb 903Pltgb 903BRaptgb 9033Pvpjtgb 9031Pvrbtgb 9032Brtgb 921 | Thousands | 1959-1977 | ---Equipped with the Pvpj 1110 90mm recoilless gunEquipped with the Robot 53 ATGM- |
| Terrängbil 11 | Sweden | 4×4 infantry truck4×4 anti-tank vehicle6×6 communications vehicle6×6 infantry truck6×6 communications vehicle6×6 ambulance6×6 artillery spotter6×6 armored personnel carrierMANPADS carrier | Tgb 11Tgb 1111Tgb 1112Tgb 13Tgb 1313Tgb 1314Tgb 1321Tgb 21Tgb 22 | Roughly 6,500 | 1967–present | -Equipped with the Pvpj 1110 90mm recoilless gun------Equipped with the RBS 70 |
| Bv 202 | Sweden | Tracked all-terrain vehicle | | 5,000 | 1964–present | - |
| Bv 206 | Sweden | All-terrain carrierMilitary ambulanceMilitary firefighting apparatusImproved intelligence vehicleMobile military radio transmitter | Bv 206Bv 206ABv 206FBv 2064Bv2068 | 4,500 | 1980-present | - |
| Pbil m/39 | Sweden | Armoured car | Pbil m/39Pbil m/40 | 1530 | 1939-19561939-1960s | Standard versionPowered by a Volvo engine |
| Pbil m/41 | Sweden | Armoured car | L-180 | 5 | 1933–1980 | - |
| Tgbil m/42 KP | Sweden | Armored personnel carrier | SKPVKP | 262100 | 1944–2004 | Manufactured by Scania-VabisManufactured by Volvo |
| Pbv 301 | Sweden | Armored personnel carrier | | 185 | 1961–1971 | - |
| Pbv 302 | Sweden | Armored personnel carrier | | 400+ | 1965–2014 | - |
| Patria Pasi | Finland | Armored personnel carrierCommand vehicleArmored personnel carrier | XA-180SXA-202SXA-203S | 200 | 1980s–present | --Armed with a 20mm auto cannon |
| Ikv 91 | Sweden | Infantry support vehicle | Ikv 91Ikv 105 | 212 | 1975–2002 | -Prototype with a 105mm anti-tank gun |
| Strv m/37 | Czechoslovakia Sweden | Tankette | Strv m/37 | 48 | 1938–1953 | License-built version of the AH-IV |
| Strv L-60 | Sweden | Light tank | Strv m/38Strv m/39Strv m/40Strv m/40LStrv m/40K | 1520?10080 | 1939-????1940-????????-????1941-????1944-???? | - |
| Strv m/41 | Czechoslovakia Sweden | Medium tank | Strv m/41 | 238 | 1942-1950s | License-built, slightly upgraded version of the Panzer 38(t) |
| Strv m/42 | Sweden | Medium tank | Lago I (Strv m/42)Lago II (Strv m/42 TM)Lago III (Strv m/42 TH)Lago IV (Strv m/42 EH) | 342 total | 1943-????1943-????1944-????1944-???? | Standard versionTwo engines and electromagnetic gearboxTwo engines and two hydraulic gearboxesOne engine and a hydraulic gearbox |
| Strv 74 | Sweden | Medium tank | Strv 74 HStrv 74 V | 659 | 1958-1984 | - |
| Centurion tank | United Kingdom | Main battle tank | Strv 81Strv 101Strv 101RStrv 102Strv 102RStrv 104 | 350 total | 1953-1992 | |
| Strv 103 | Sweden | Main battle tank | Strv 103AStrv 103BStrv 103CStrv 103D | 290 | 1967-19971970s-19971986-19971990s | Standard versionEnhanced engineEnhanced engine and laser rangefinderModernized prototype, only 1 built |

### Artillery and mortars

| Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Years in service | Notes |
| M/41D | Sweden | Heavy mortar | | 219 | 1941–present | 120mm caliber mortar |
| Haubits FH77 | Sweden | Towed howitzer | FH77 AFH77 B | 220 | 1978-2006 | |
| PvBv 2062 | Sweden | Mobile anti-tank gun | | Unknown | 1980s-present | Equipped with Pvpj 1110 90mm recoilless gun |
| PvBv 2063 | Sweden | ATGM carrier | | Unknown | 1980s-present | Equipped with Rbs 55 or Rbs 56 |
| Bkan 1 | Sweden | Self-propelled artillery | Bkan 1ABkan 1C | 26 | 1967-2003 | - |
| Bofors 40 mm | Sweden | Anti-aircraft autocannon | Bofors L/60Bofors L/70 | Unknown | 1934–present | - |
| MIM-23 Hawk | United States | Surface-to-air missile | RBS 77RBS 97 | 8 launchers | 1960s-present | Unknown number of missiles, at least 24 |
| Lvrbv 701 | Sweden | MANPADS carrier | | 49 | 1980s-2000 | Equipped with RBS 70 |

## Coastal defence

The eastern coast of Sweden, along a length of more than 1500 kilometres, probably had the most powerful coastal defence system in the world. The system consisted of coastal artillery, submarines, battleships and aircraft. No less than 90 heavy cannons (typically 7.5 cm cannons) with large underground facilities were strategically located along the coast, together with a large number of bunkers and pillboxes.

## Navy

The Swedish navy possessed a total of 129 ships between 1945 and 1991.

### Seaplane cruisers

| Ship | Origin | Type | Names | Quantity | Years in service | Notes |
| Gotland class | Sweden | Seaplane cruiser | HSwMS Gotland | 1 | 1933-1963 | Could carry 8 aircraft |
| Dristigheten class | Sweden | Seaplane cruiser | HSwMS Dristigheten | 1 | 1901-1947 | Could carry 2 aircraft |

### Cruisers

Sweden possessed four cruisers throughout the Cold War.
| Ship | Origin | Type | Names | Quantity | Years in service | Notes |
| Clas Fleming class | Sweden | Mine cruiser | HSwMS Clas Fleming | 1 | 1912-1960 | - |
| Fylgia class | Sweden | Armored cruiser | HSwMS Fylgia | 1 | 1907-1957 | - |
| Tre Kronor class | Sweden | Cruiser | HSwMS Tre KronorHSwMS Göta Lejon | 2 | 1944-19641945-1971 | - |

### Destroyers

Sweden had a total of 35 destroyer-class vessels throughout the Cold War, most of them World War II models. As time went on, Sweden begun to put less effort in keeping large surface combatants and instead increasingly relied on patrol boats, fast attack craft, coastal artillery and air superiority. However this approach (especially the overreliance on lighter surface combatants) was somewhat discredited by the early 1980s. Attempts were then made to move back towards heavier more capable surface combatants (e.g. the Ytstridsfartyg Större [Surface Combatant Large] program), but this was ultimately curtailed by the sudden end to the Cold War.
Destroyers in 1945: 28 Destroyers in 1950: 21 Destroyers in 1960: 24 Destroyers in 1970: 17 Destroyers in 1980: 13 Destroyers in 1991: 0
| Ship | Origin | Type | Names | Quantity | Years in service | Notes |
| Ehrensköld class | Sweden | Destroyer | HSwMS EhrensköldHSwMS Nordenskjöld | 2 | 1927-1963 | - |
| Göteborg class | Sweden | Destroyer | HSwMS GöteborgHSwMS StockholmHSwMS MalmöHSwMS KarlskronaHSwMS NorrköpingHSwMS Gävle | 6 | 1936-19621937-19651939-19701940-19791941-19651941-1968 | - |
| Halland class | Sweden | Destroyer | HSwMS HallandHSwMS Småland | 2 | 1955-19851956-1979 | - |
| Hugin class | Sweden | Destroyer | HSwMS HuginHSwMS Munin | 2 | 1911-19471911-1946 | - |
| Klas class | Sweden | Destroyer | HSwMS Klas Horn | 1 | 1932-1958 | - |
| Mode class | Sweden | Destroyer | HSwMS MagneHSwMS MagneHSwMS MuninHSwMS Mjölner | 4 | 1942-19661942-19701942-19681942-1966 | All converted to frigates in 1953/1957 |
| Romulus class | Italy Sweden | Destroyer | HSwMS RomulusHSwMS Remus | 2 | 1934-19581934-1958 | - |
| Psilander class | Italy Sweden | Destroyer | HSwMS PsilanderHSwMS Puke | 2 | 1926-19471926-1947 | - |
| Vidar class | Sweden | Destroyer | HSwMS RagnarHSwMS SigurdHSwMS Vidar | 3 | 1910-1947 | - |
| Visby class | Sweden | Destroyer | HSwMS HälsingborgHSwMS Kalmar HSwMS SundsvallHSwMS Visby | 4 | 1942-1982 | - |
| Wrangel class | Sweden | Destroyer | HSwMS WrangelHSwMS Wachtmeister | 2 | 1918-1947 | - |
| Öland class | Sweden | Destroyer | HSwMS UpplandHSwMS Öland | 2 | 1947-1979 | - |
| Östergötland class | Sweden | Destroyer | HSwMS GästriklandHSwMS HälsinglandHSwMS SödermanlandHSwMS Östergötland | 4 | 1955-1982 | - |

### Coastal defense ships

The Swedish navy maintained 7 coastal defense ships after World War II, though some were taken out of service shortly after.
* Oscar II-class coastal defense ship (1)
** HSwMS Oscar II (1905-1950)
* Sverige-class coastal defence ship (3)
** HSwMS Drottning Victoria (1921-1957)
** HSwMS Gustav V (1922-1957)
** HSwMS Sverige (1915-1953)
* Äran-class coastal defence ship (3)
** HSwMS Manligheten (1904-1950)
** HSwMS Tapperheten (1903-1947)
** HSwMS Äran (1902-1947)

### Corvettes

The Swedish navy had as few as six corvettes in service during the Cold War, relying on larger vessels during this time.
* Göteborg-class corvette (4)
** HSwMS Gävle (1990–present)
** HSwMS Göteborg (1990–present)
** HSwMS Kalmar (1990–present)
** HSwMS Sundsvall (1991–present)
* Stockholm-class corvette (2)
** HSwMS Malmö (1985–present)
** HSwMS Stockholm (1984–present)

### Mine warfare vessels

Sweden possessed 19 mine warfare vessels throughout the time period 1945–1991.
* HSwMS Alnösund minelayer
* HSwMS Arkösund minelayer
* HSwMS Barösund minelayer
* HSwMS Grundsund minelayer
* HSwMS Furusund minelayer
* HSwMS Fårösund minelayer
* HSwMS Kalmarsund minelayer
* HSwMS Kalvsund minelayer
* HSwMS Skramsösund minelayer
* HSwMS Älvsborg minelayer
* HSwMS Älvsnabben minelayer
* HSwMS Öresund minelayer
* Landsort-class mine countermeasures vessel (7)
** HSwMS Arholma (1984-2010)
** HSwMS Koster (1986–present)
** HSwMS Kullen (1986–present)
** HSwMS Landsort (1982–present)
** HSwMS Ulvön (1980s-present)
** HSwMS Ven (1980s-present)
** HSwMS Vinga (1980s-present)

### Patrol boats

Seventeen patrol boats were in service in the Royal Swedish Navy between 1945 and 1991.
* HSwMS Hugin
* HSwMS Jägaren
* HSwMS Kaparen
* HSwMS Magne
* HSwMS Mjölner
* HSwMS Mode
* HSwMS Munin
* HSwMS Mysing
* HSwMS Snapphanen
* HSwMS Spejaren
* HSwMS Starkodder
* HSwMS Styrbjörn
* HSwMS Tirfing
* HSwMS Tordön
* HSwMS Vale
* HSwMS Vidar
* HSwMS Väktaren

### Torpedo boats

Sweden had 12 torpedo boats during the Cold War.
* Perseus-class torpedo boat (1)
** HSwMS Perseus
* Plejad-class torpedo boat (11)
** HSwMS Alderbaran
** HSwMS Altair
** HSwMS Antares
** HSwMS Arcturus
** HSwMS Argo
** HSwMS Astrea
** HSwMS Plejad
** HSwMS Polaris
** HSwMS Pollux
** HSwMS Regulus
** HSwMS Rigel

### Submarines

Sweden had a total of 26 submarines throughout the Cold War.
* Draken-class submarine (5)
* Hajen-class submarine (6)
** HSwMS Bävern
** HSwMS Hajen
** HSwMS Illern
** HSwMS Sälen
** HSwMS Uttern
** HSwMS Valen
* Neptun-class submarine (3)
* Näcken-class submarine (3)
** HSwMS Najad
** HSwMS Neptun
** HSwMS Näcken
* Sjöormen-class submarine (5)
** HSwMS Sjöbjörnen
** HSwMS Sjöhunden
** HSwMS Sjöhästen
** HSwMS Sjölejonet
** HSwMS Sjöormen
* Västergötland-class submarine (4)
** HSwMS Helsingland
** HSwMS Södermanland
** HSwMS Västergötland
** HSwMS Östergötland

### Auxiliary vessels

* HSwMS Arkösund minelayer
* HSwMS Belos submarine salvage vessel
* HSwMS Carlskrona minelayer
* HSwMS Trossö ice-strengthened patrol craft
* HSwMS Visborg command/auxiliary ship
* Landing Craft L-50 mechanized landing craft (5)

## Air force

Sweden had a huge air force - the fourth largest in the world - throughout the Cold War, consisting of more than 4,000 aircraft. Out of these, no less than 3,574 aircraft were armed fighters along with many hundred bombers.

### Fighter aircraft

| Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | In service | Notes |
| J 9 | United States Sweden | Fighter aircraft | J 9 | 60 | 1940–1951 | Sweden's first monoplane aircraft |
| J 11 | Italy Sweden | Biplane fighter aircraft | J 11 | 72 | 1940–1946 | - |
| J 21 | Sweden | Fighter aircraftFighter aircraftAttack aircraftExperimental aircraft | J 21A-1J 21A-2J21A-3J 21B | 541241320 | 1945–19491946-19541947-19541940s | - |
| J 21R | Sweden | Fighter and attack aircraft | J 21R | 64 | 1945–1956 | Sweden's first indigenous jet fighter |
| J 22 | Sweden | Fighter aircraft | J 22AJ 22B | 14355 | 1942–1952 | Numbers may not be correct for the World War II era; some may have been built in 1946 |
| J 26 | United States | Fighter aircraft | P-51BP-51D | 252 | 1945–1954 | Originally P-51 Mustang, another 111 aircraft purchased immediately after the war |
| J 28 | United Kingdom | Fighter aircraft | J 28AJ 28BJ 28C | 7031057 | 1946-1956 | 1st generation jet fighter; 437 total |
| Saab 29 Tunnan | Sweden | Experimental aircraftFighter aircraftFighter aircraftAttack aircraftReconnaissance aircraftExperimental aircraftFighter aircraftFighter aircraft | J 29J 29AJ 29BA 29BS 29CJ 29DJ 29DJ 29F | 4224332?76129308 | 1949-1976 | 1st generation jet fighter; 666+ total |
| S 31 | United Kingdom | Fighter and reconnaissance aircraft | S 31 | 50 | 1946-1950s | - |
| Saab 32 Lansen | Sweden | Attack aircraftAll-weather fighterMaritime reconnaissance aircraftTarget tug aircraftECM aircraftFighter aircraftFighter aircraft | A 32AJ 32BS 32CJ 32DJ 32EJ 32ADJ 32U | 2871204561400 | 1956-1997 | 452 built |
| J 34 | United Kingdom | Fighter and attack aircraft | J 34 | 120 | 1946-1956 | 2nd generation jet fighter |
| Saab 35 Draken | Sweden | Fighter aircraftFighter aircraftTrainer aircraftFighter aircraftReconnaissance aircraftFighter aircraftFighter aircraft | J 35AJ 35BSK 35CJ 35DS 35EJ 35FJ 35J | 9073251206023066 | 1955-1998 | 651 built |
| Saab 37 Viggen | Sweden | Attack aircraft-"-Trainer aircraft-"-Reconnaissance aircraft-"-Fighter aircraft-"--"--"- | AJ 37AJS 37SK 37SK 37ESF 37SH 37JA 37JA 37CJA 37DJA 37DI | 329 total | 1971-2005 | Some air combat capability Upgraded AJ, with recce pod available Schooling aircraft, trainerUpgraded SK, EW capability addedPhoto-ReconnaissanceRadar-based sea reconnaissanceFighter with limited ground attack capability.-"--"- Digital instrumentation for JAS 39 development |

### Bomber aircraft

* Saab 17 bomber & reconnaissance aircraft - 323
* Saab 18 twin-engine bomber - 245

### Trainers

* Saab 105 trainer aircraft - 80

### Transport aircraft

* Lockheed C-130 - 8

### Helicopters

* Piasecki Hkp 1 transport helicopter - 14
* Bell Hkp 3 utility helicopter - 29
* Boeing-Vertol Hkp 4 transport helicopter - 21
* Eurocopter Hkp 10 utility helicopter - 12

## Resource management

The need for safe storage of large quantities of oil to support anticipated use of military equipment led to creative solutions, in particular the use of undressed rock chambers, the full environmental effects of which have not yet been ascertained.