Sweden Proposes Expanding Civil Defense Shelters Using Tunnels and Basements

The Swedish government is responding to security concerns raised by the war in Ukraine by proposing a significant expansion of its civil defense shelter capacity. Minister for Civil Defense, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, announced plans to introduce "protected spaces," including large road tunnels and subway stations, as new types of emergency shelters. This initiative aims to shelter an additional 1.5 million people, complementing the current bomb shelter capacity for 7 million across approximately 64,000 existing shelters.

Currently, Sweden faces coverage gaps because it ceased building new bomb shelters in 2002, particularly affecting newly developed areas. Many older shelters, constructed mainly in the 1950s and 1960s, lack modern accessibility features and technical systems. To modernize the infrastructure, the government has begun renovating shelters, with Igeldammsgaraget being the first to receive upgrades. This shelter now features advanced backup power and air purification systems designed to function for 30 years.

Many of these tunnels and other large structures are not yet registered on the official shelter maps, but new legislation will require that they be identified to the public. The proposal draws inspiration from how protected spaces like tunnels have been utilized in Ukraine during wartime, highlighting the pragmatic use of existing infrastructure for civil protection.

By broadening the scope of shelters to include these "protected spaces," Sweden seeks to bolster public safety and preparedness amid increasing geopolitical tensions.