Hybrid operations already have consequences for Sweden. Through cooperation, closeness and increased resilience, Sweden can meet the increasing threat picture.

The security situation in Europe remains very serious. Russia’s actions are marked by high risk-taking and wide flora of measures aimed at the West. The Russian leadership sees the conflict as a fight for the survival of the regime. Sweden’s security is directly affected, and the threats can be both visible and hidden.

Hybrid warfare is not a nicer form of war. The aim is to harm or weaken us and our society – and NATO – through an action that is deny and more difficult to derive and answer. This can be done through measures that sabotage and destroy important social functions, make decision-making or damage confidence in the kingdom’s authorities and management, said Commander-in-WReler Michael Claesson.
Hybrid Threats and Espionage

Russia, China and Iran conduct intelligence activities against Sweden. The goal is to disrupt important social systems, access to protected information and influence decision-making. The methods include cyber attacks, impact operations and sabotage.

These attacks are directed both at public and private actors and form part of what is called hybrid warfare – a combination of military, economic, and information-related measures with the aim of undermining a country’s resilience.

An example of this is the sabotage threat, which particularly targets infrastructure, communication and power supply. These attacks are planned and supported by state security agencies, but are often carried out via agents to be denied when they have been carried out.

In the spring of 2024, several European intelligence agencies reported Russian attempts to disrupt support to Ukraine, suggesting an increased willingness to take risks.

Splitting as a strategy

A central goal of Russia is to undermine the unity of the West. By spreading disinformation and strengthening internal conflicts, you try to influence opinion and create division. Impact campaigns are spread through social media and other digital channels, often through fake accounts and AI-generated materials.

Sweden is not spared. In 2023, the country suffered several information campaigns aimed at influencing both public opinion and security climate. Similar strategies have also been used to disrupt and influence international elections and create uncertainty in other Western countries.

Cyber threat – a new front line

Sweden is subjected to regular cyberattacks, where foreign powers try to undermine societal systems and trust. This is part of a broader strategy in which attackers combine cyberattacks with traditional intelligence operations.

To meet these threats, Swedish authorities, including the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Security Service and the FRA, work together through, among other things, the National Cybersecurity Center. The aim is to improve the resilience of society and ensure that important functions continue to function.

Sweden’s role in NATO and the way forward

With Sweden’s entry into NATO, the country’s security is strengthened through common resources and collaborations. At the same time, Russia remains a serious threat actor. The war in Ukraine is part of a larger conflict about Europe’s security order, and although the fighting is geographically limited, they affect the stability of the whole region.

The security challenges require a holistic perspective where military capabilities, civil defence and cyber defence work together. The actors of total defense must be prepared to meet both direct and indirect threats – from sabotage and intelligence activities to information warfare.