The Swedish government is appointing a special inquiry to review the national system for cryptographic functions. The aim is to create a more efficient system for total defence, while also strengthening the Swedish cryptographic industry's capacity for innovation and export.

According to a committee directive from the Ministry of Defence, the appointed investigator is to analyse how the current system for cryptographic functions operates and submit proposals on how responsibilities, governance, and processes can be developed. The government notes that the current division of responsibilities between the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten), the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), the National Defence Radio Establishment (FRA, Försvarets radioanstalt), and the Civil Contingencies Agency risks creating ambiguity and lengthy lead times.

According to the directive, the deteriorating security environment, the growth of total defence, and Sweden's membership of NATO and the EU have increased demands for robust, interoperable, and nationally controlled cryptographic systems. The government describes cryptographic functions as a fundamental prerequisite for Sweden's security, the freedom of action of total defence, and society's digital resilience.

The inquiry will also analyse how the processes for requirements specification, development, review, and approval of cryptographic functions can be made more efficient, as well as reviewing the financing of cryptographic functions within civil defence.

A central part of the mandate concerns the Swedish cryptographic industry. The government wishes to analyse the conditions for a competitive domestic industry, including export opportunities, and to propose measures that strengthen innovation capacity and ensure that Sweden continues to have access to national cryptographic expertise and capability.

The investigator is also to submit proposals on how Sweden's role in NATO and EU cooperation within the cryptographic field can be developed. The directive highlights the need to strengthen interoperability with allies while safeguarding national freedom of action and control over cryptographic systems.

The inquiry is to be reported no later than 1 October 2027.