FOI: Biological Weapons Could Disrupt Sweden

Biological weapons can be used to weaken healthcare, food supply, and the economy. This is highlighted in a new publication from the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) regarding risks, protection, and preparedness in today's threat landscape.

In a changed security situation, biological weapons can be used both in war and as a tool in influence and hybrid operations. This is noted by researchers at the FOI in the new publication FOI Informs About Biological Weapons.

 – FOI serves as a national expert authority on biological weapons. In the publication, our experts review, among other things, how biological warfare could be conducted, protection against attacks, identification and investigation of suspected attacks, as well as NATO's policy and concepts regarding protection against biological weapons, says Åsa Scott, head of FOI's CBRN Protection and Security Division. 

The publication provides a comprehensive view of today's threat landscape and describes how biological weapons, disease-causing microorganisms, or toxins, can be used to harm humans, animals, and plants. In addition to direct health consequences, such attacks can have extensive societal effects by impacting food supply, the economy, and other critical functions. 

The publication is particularly aimed at actors within total defence who work to prevent, protect against, or restore society's capabilities in the event of a biological attack. 

The researchers assess that the likelihood of a large-scale biological attack against Sweden is low, but the consequences would be so severe that preparations are necessary. This could involve stockpiles of medical countermeasures, access to protective equipment, and preparedness within healthcare. 

 – The use of biological weapons can have significant consequences on the national economy, trade, food supply, and the ability to provide host nation support within NATO. It is therefore important that all societal actors remain vigilant and report any anomalies, says Johanna Thelaus, research leader and editor of FOI Informs About Biological Weapons.

At the same time, it is considered possible that biological weapons are used more covertly, for example, to disrupt societal functions, influence trade, or test Sweden's preparedness. Such attacks can be difficult to distinguish from natural disease outbreaks or pests and may be part of hybrid warfare. 

FOI Informs About Biological Weapons is the first part of a new publication series aimed at strengthening knowledge about total defence-relevant threats and risks.