Sweden warns of increased Russian threats to defense industry amid rising tensions

Recent months have seen a series of mysterious incidents across Europe, including fires at military factories, attack plans against executives in the arms industry, and attempted break-ins at sensitive facilities. Many of these events have been linked to Russia.

The increase in threat levels has prompted Sweden’s Security Police to issue warnings about the potential for similar attacks in the country. Karl Melin, the agency’s press chief, stated that there are indications of a growing Russian willingness to engage in activities that threaten security, ranging from influence operations to sabotage directed at Western nations, including Sweden.

The Security Police have indicated that the risk is particularly high for industries connected to military support for Ukraine, such as arms manufacturing facilities. As a response to the perceived rise in risk, the agency has noted a significant change in the operational strategies of foreign powers, specifically highlighting an increase in Russian risk-taking.

The industry association for security and defense companies has reported that several member firms have already experienced threat scenarios, including drone surveillance and break-in attempts. Secretary-General Robert Limmergård emphasized that there is a distinct increase in active threats, asserting that foreign actors threaten Sweden’s support for Ukraine.

In a bid to counter these threats, the defense industry has submitted a request to the government for enhanced measures against drones and increased resources for authorities to bolster information sharing with companies. Limmergård reiterated the urgency, noting that both state and private entities are facing attacks targeting their vulnerabilities.