This study analyses how key actors within the Swedish Armed Forces construct an understanding of doctrinal change. Specifically, it explores the frames and framing strategies employed to articulate the introduction of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) in the context of Sweden’s accession to NATO. Drawing on content analysis and the framing theory of Benford and Snow (2000) and Wikman (2024), the study examines how actors legitimise doctrinal transformation. The analysis demonstrates how actors frame MDO in relation to current Swedish doctrine and use different framing strategies to emphasise certain aspects of their arguments shaping its interpretation and implementation. It contributes to the field of military transformation by addressing a gap in how doctrinal change is framed and understood. Furthermore, the study illustrates the applicability of framing theory within the domain of military studies, thereby extending the theoretical utility and scope of Wikman’s analytical framework.