FRA: « More threats are directed at Sweden »
FRA is one of Sweden's secret intelligence services and is primarily engaged in signal tension.
In its annual report, it is noted that the outside world is increasingly characterized by parallel crises and that Sweden continues to be subjected to serious threats.
– We see it from state actors who also sometimes affect terrorist cells and use organized crime and their opportunities to carry out tasks. So it is a new situation in some respects, says Björn Lyrvall.
FRA's task is to give the government, the Armed Forces, Säpo and NOA qualified notifications about the threats to Sweden. For example, you follow how Russian vessels and flights move in the immediate area. The incident in December when four Russian military aircraft approached Gotland is an example of an event where FRA may be alarm clock.
« It is warning, to follow what could potentially pose a threat to the country, » says Lyrvall, without going into the individual case.
It can also be about keeping track of cyberattacks, hybrid threats to critical infrastructure and sabotage plans.
According to Björn Lyrvall the Swedish signal tension is sufficiently sharp to predict a Russian attack.
– I think you can say that. We have been following the development for several decades, and can put puzzles and map movements that could potentially lead to some form of aggression against the country, he says.
Prior to Russia's full -scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, another of Sweden's intelligence services, must, stated that a major attack was not as likely, as DN reported.
Now it is warned in Europe for Russia to attack more countries after Ukraine.
What does it say that the authorities can predict it next time?
– If it is a major attack, you would see a build -up period, which precedes some form of political decision to implement such an action, says Lyrvall.
FRA is now growing strongly. In just a few years, the budget will be tripled, from SEK 1.2 billion in 2020 to announced 3.6 billion in 2027. The money is mainly used for more staff, but also to strengthen technology and shell protection.
A strengthened ability is the new signal voltage ship Artemis that was taken into service last year. The ship replaces Orion used for 40 years.
– It's a big improvement, says Lyrvall.
The ship is mainly moving in the southeastern Baltic Sea. There lies, among other things, the hard militarized Russian exclusive Kaliningrad. Lyrvall does not want to answer whether Russian vessels interfere with FRA's operations.
– We stay at a proper distance from the territorial limit of course.
