# Swedish defence research agency publishes nuclear weapons primer

- Source: Nordic Defence Sector (https://nordicdefencesector.com)
- Canonical URL: https://nordicdefencesector.com/en/article/swedish-defence-research-agency-publishes-nuclear-weapons-primer
- Published: 2026-09-25
- Author: Daniel Trangeled
- Type: News · Country: sweden
- Language: en (original)
- Also available in: de (https://nordicdefencesector.com/de/article/swedish-defence-research-agency-publishes-nuclear-weapons-primer.md), dk (https://nordicdefencesector.com/dk/article/swedish-defence-research-agency-publishes-nuclear-weapons-primer.md), es (https://nordicdefencesector.com/es/article/swedish-defence-research-agency-publishes-nuclear-weapons-primer.md), fi (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fi/article/swedish-defence-research-agency-publishes-nuclear-weapons-primer.md), fr (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fr/article/swedish-defence-research-agency-publishes-nuclear-weapons-primer.md), it (https://nordicdefencesector.com/it/article/swedish-defence-research-agency-publishes-nuclear-weapons-primer.md), no (https://nordicdefencesector.com/no/article/swedish-defence-research-agency-publishes-nuclear-weapons-primer.md), pl (https://nordicdefencesector.com/pl/article/swedish-defence-research-agency-publishes-nuclear-weapons-primer.md), sv (https://nordicdefencesector.com/sv/article/swedish-defence-research-agency-publishes-nuclear-weapons-primer.md)
- Primary source: https://www.foi.se/nyheter-och-press/nyheter/2026-09-23-foi-informerar-om-karnvapen.html
- Tags: sverige, foi, atomic, uranium, preparedness, swedish defence research agency, nuclear weapons, weapons-grade uranium, weapons-grade plutonium, nuclear deterrence, arms control, total defence, jessica strömbro, sweden, civil protection, nuclear fallout, deterrence

> The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) has published a new guide on nuclear weapons aimed at the public, decision-makers and total defence actors. Led by Jessica Strömbro, the publication aims to boost Sweden's preparedness for a potential nuclear attack.

![French nuclear weapons test at Mururoa on 3 July 1970, and the cover of the FOI publication](https://imagedelivery.net/XO8UY-c6-LfWgEjQsN8IQw/c735290c-1d83-4d3d-ea13-7661dfce5900/public)
*French nuclear weapons test at Mururoa on 3 July 1970, and the cover of the FOI publication · FOI*

**The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) [has published](https://www.foi.se/nyheter-och-press/nyheter/2026-09-23-foi-informerar-om-karnvapen.html) *FOI informerar om Kärnvapen* ("FOI informs about nuclear weapons"). The guide was released on 22 September and is aimed at the public, decision-makers and other total defence actors.**

According to FOI, the publication focuses mainly on technical aspects. Its chapters cover how nuclear weapons work, weapons-grade uranium and plutonium, and test explosions. They also cover weapon effects such as blast, thermal radiation and radioactive fallout. Other chapters address deterrence, arms control and the detection of nuclear explosions.

The guide also gives advice on protective measures during a nuclear attack, including guidance for rescue services and healthcare.

— Even simple protection matters if you are not too close to the explosion, said Jessica Strömbro. She heads FOI's Nuclear Weapons Threat unit and was responsible for the publication.

Strömbro said the aim was to help Sweden be better prepared for a possible nuclear attack.

The guide is the second in the agency's *FOI Informerar Om* series. [The first](https://www.foi.se/nyheter-och-press/nyheter/2026-02-16-foi-informerar-om-biologiska-vapen.html) covered biological weapons.

## FAQ

**Vad innehåller FOI:s nya kunskapsöversikt om kärnvapen?**

Guiden behandlar tekniska aspekter av kärnvapen, inklusive hur de fungerar, vapenmaterial som uran och plutonium, samt provsprängningar. Den täcker även vapenverkan som tryckvåg, värmestrålning och radioaktivt nedfall, liksom avskräckning, nedrustning och detektion av kärnvapenexplosioner. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-09-25.

**Vem ansvarade för publikationen FOI informerar om Kärnvapen?**

Jessica Strömbro, chef för FOI:s enhet för hotet från kärnvapen, var ansvarig för publikationen. Hon betonade att enkla skyddsåtgärder gör skillnad om man inte befinner sig alldeles intill explosionen. Syftet är att stärka Sveriges beredskap inför en möjlig kärnvapenattack. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-09-25.

**Vilken plats har guiden om kärnvapen i FOI:s publikationsserie?**

Publikationen är den andra i FOI:s serie FOI Informerar Om, som riktar sig till allmänheten, beslutsfattare och andra totalförsvarsaktörer. Den första delen i serien, publicerad tidigare, handlade om biologiska vapen. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-09-25.

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