A Defence Act (Swedish: Försvarsbeslut, literally Defence Decision) is an act passed by the Swedish Riksdag every four years which details how the Swedish Armed Forces will function and develop during the coming years.
Between 1901 and 1958, Acts were generally passed every ten years, with the exception of the Defence Act of 1942, which was passed earlier due to World War II. The Defence Act of 1968 introduced a system requiring Defence Acts to be passed every five years. The work revolving a new Defence Act starts off with all elements of the Swedish Total Defence drawing up plans on what structure and capacity the Defence will operate under during the coming 10 to 15 years. After discussions with the government, the defence authorities deliver a proposal to the cabinet detailing how the defence of Sweden can be developed. The government then drafts a proposition which is sent to the Riksdag, where it is eventually passed.