Sweden Launches SWEN – The Swedish Emergency Network – at Mission Critical Communications Expo 2025

The event was inaugurated by Sweden’s Minister for Civil Defence, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, who delivered a powerful message on the urgency of modernization.

The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) marked a major milestone in national resilience with the official launch of SWEN – The Swedish Emergency Network at the Mission Critical Communications Expo 2025 in Stockholm. The event, attended by over 1,600 participants from Sweden and abroad, brought together user organisations, technology suppliers, and key government stakeholders to discuss the future of secure, mission-critical communication.

The event was inaugurated by Sweden’s Minister for Civil Defence, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, who delivered a powerful message on the urgency of modernization: “Eighty percent tomorrow is better than one hundred percent in five years.” His remarks underscored the government’s call for decisive action in strengthening Sweden’s total defence and digital preparedness.

MSB’s Director General Anna Starbrink and senior representatives including Ronny Harpe, Head of Mission Critical Communications, highlighted the agency’s strategic transition toward broadband-based mission-critical communication. The launch of SWEN represents Sweden’s next-generation digital backbone for civil defence—an integrated, resilient, and secure platform connecting first responders, public authorities, and critical infrastructure operators.

Sara Olsson, Product Manager at MSB, reflected on the importance of the moment:

“With record participation and remarkable engagement, this year’s Expo truly demonstrates the commitment across the ecosystem. The launch of SWEN marks the next phase in Sweden’s journey toward mission-critical broadband.”

Jon Gustafsson, Head of Development & Innovation at MSB, emphasized the broader vision:

“Through SWEN, we are not just building systems – we are building a stronger digital Sweden. Our resilience is created not only through technology but by understanding and developing it together with end users.”

The extensive day programme featured a diverse range of discussions on AI and digital resilience, Nordic cooperation in total defence, and cross-sector initiatives on secure communication. Experts from the European Space Agency, the Swedish Armed Forces, and the National Police Authority contributed insights into how new technologies, including satellite systems and artificial intelligence, can reinforce operational coordination and situational awareness.

Looking ahead, 2026 will be a pivotal year for SWEN, as pilot projects begin for basic mission-critical services. MSB’s Sofia Enlund confirmed that the core network and migration solutions are already in place:

“The upcoming pilots will demonstrate how SWEN can deliver seamless and secure communication for emergency responders and public agencies nationwide.”

As Sweden transitions from its legacy Rakel TETRA system toward SWEN’s broadband-based Mission Critical Services (MCX and MSS), the focus remains on interoperability, user-centric design, and international collaboration.

“We are equipping Sweden to keep the peace – and we must understand that peace has a price,”

said Hanna Stenvall Magnusson, Security Strategist, summarizing the day’s theme of shared responsibility and preparedness.

The Mission Critical Communications Expo 2025 reaffirmed Sweden’s leadership in developing resilient, future-proof public safety networks. With SWEN, MSB is laying the foundation for a new era of secure, intelligent, and collaborative communication systems that will protect lives, strengthen national defence, and enhance Europe’s collective security.

Picture: courtesey of Sara Leion - MSB - edited by AI