Lieutenant General Michael Claesson has been appointed the new Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces, taking over on October 1. Formerly the head of the Defense Staff, Claesson succeeds Micael Bydén and will be promoted to General by the government.

Claesson expresses honor and humility in accepting his role during a time marked by serious security challenges.

He emphasized the complexity and multiplicity of current global conflicts and crises.

Claesson has been with the Armed Forces for 40 years, ascending to Lieutenant General in 2020.