policy_strategy
Must Publishes Annual Overview: Broad and Complex Threat Picture
Must warns of a deteriorating security situation in Sweden's vicinity, with Russia's war in Ukraine as a decisive factor. The annual overview also emphasizes threats from hybrid warfare and intelligence threats against Sweden.
– We live in dangerous times, and we will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The threats against Sweden are broad, complex, and serious. We must draw conclusions and act accordingly, says Must Chief Lieutenant General Thomas Nilsson in a press release from the Swedish Armed Forces.
The annual overview highlights that developments in Ukraine are central to the security situation in Europe. A ceasefire or reduced combat intensity could, according to Must, allow Russia to redeploy military resources to the Baltic Sea region, an area of great strategic importance. At the same time, it is emphasized that the development is not predetermined.
In addition to the military threat, Must points to increasing activity in hybrid warfare, where adversaries use methods such as disinformation, cyberattacks, and sabotage to influence and destabilize society. Over the past year, Must has identified new methods, including the use of proxies in attacks in several European countries.
The annual overview also describes a growing intelligence threat from countries such as China, Iran, and Russia, where actors target Swedish technology with potential military applications.
– To enhance the capability of our total defense, it is of great importance that Sweden addresses the threats to our society with a comprehensive approach, writes Thomas Nilsson in the foreword to the annual overview.
Must emphasizes that Sweden has strengthened its security through the upcoming NATO membership and deepened cooperation with partner countries. At the same time, the importance of continued efforts to build resilience and endurance within the total defense is underscored.