Swedish Civil Defense Agency Appoints Capgemini as System Integrator for SWEN

Sweden's next-generation mission-critical network remains on schedule to replace Rakel by 2030, with further RAN and MCX contracts to follow.

The Swedish Civil Defense Agency has signed an agreement with Capgemini to act as system integrator for SWEN, the Swedish Emergency Network. According to the agency, the agreement secures the expertise required to establish Sweden's new network for mission-critical communication services on schedule, with system integration work now under way according to plan.

SWEN is set to replace Rakel, Sweden's existing TETRA-based network, by 2030. The new network will be built on modern technology, partly based on 3GPP-standardised 5G solutions, to support information sharing within Sweden's total defence system.

Under MSB's leadership, Capgemini will play a key role in coordinating and integrating a range of technical solutions into a cohesive, resilient and secure system. The assignment also covers quality assurance, technical project management support and coordination between the various suppliers involved in the programme.

"This is a significant milestone for Sweden's preparedness, ensuring access to solid expertise with experience in establishing similar systems across Europe,"

said Ronny Harpe, Head of the Mission-Critical Communication Services Unit at MSB.

MSB described the agreement as a further strategically important relationship, balancing the need to draw on market innovation with the requirement for state control over critical system and network components. Together with its other key partners, the agency stated that it is creating the conditions necessary for the continued rollout of SWEN.

Capgemini joins a growing group of suppliers contracted to the programme. The core network contract was previously awarded to Ericsson, while Telia has been selected to provide the radio access network (RAN) for the initial pilot projects. Airbus has been commissioned to deliver the migration solution, which is intended to ensure interoperability between SWEN and the Rakel network during the transition.

Further procurements are expected in the near term. A contract for a mission-critical RAN, designed for real-time operational information sharing, is due to be awarded shortly. Procurement of the MCX platform is currently in progress, with the contract expected to be awarded around mid-2027.