It is equivalent to the naval rank of lieutenant commander in the Swedish Navy.

[3] The rank of major was introduced in the middle of the 16th century in the Spanish and German armies, and its holders were assigned to the regimental commander.

During the 17th century, it appeared as a designation for the lowest flag officer rank in the navy.

[6] According to Chapter 2, Section 1 of FFS 2018:7, a person who is eligible for promotion has served in the Swedish Armed Forces to such an extent that assessment of suitability, knowledge and skills could be carried out, is deemed suitable for promotion, possesses the knowledge and skills required for the higher rank, and meets time requirements according to Section 2 (must have held the rank for at least two years).

After completing a tactical staff course at the Swedish Defence University, a captain who is OFSK may only be promoted to major if the position is within the functional area where the captain's special competence is and the position's rank code is OF 3.