Sweden is proposing to extend the upper age limit for recalling former military officers to active duty from 47 to 70, Defence Minister Pål Jonson announced on Monday.
The measure forms part of a broader overhaul of personnel readiness as the Nordic nation adapts to its new NATO membership amid heightened regional tensions.
Presenting findings from a government-commissioned inquiry, Jonson emphasised that Sweden faces “serious times,” necessitating “very significant investments” beyond equipment to ensure adequate personnel availability during crises.
The proposal would eliminate deployment time limits for former conscripts, who currently face a 10-year cap on service obligations after their initial duty. Those exceeding this period would be transferred to the reserve force under the new framework.
The move marks a stark evolution for a nation that maintained two centuries of military non-alignment before joining NATO in March 2024. Finland’s 2023 accession to the alliance catalysed Stockholm’s security recalibration, with Jonson noting the proposals aim to address how Sweden’s expanding armed forces would be assured of personnel in a conflict.
The inquiry’s recommendations will undergo consultation ahead of a parliamentary bill expected in early 2026.
Sweden’s defence posture has undergone seismic shifts in recent decades. Post-Cold War reductions saw defence spending slashed and compulsory military service abandoned in 2010, with forces redirected towards international peacekeeping.
In March 2025, Sweden committed to a €26.7 billion defence expansion over the coming decade, targeting 3.5% of GDP by 2030. The reserve restructuring addresses critical personnel gaps as the military scales up from its historically streamlined structure to meet NATO obligations.
