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Sweden's government announced plans on May 5 to establish a new foreign intelligence agency, the Swedish Foreign Intelligence Service (UND), with operations set to begin on Jan. 1, 2027. The agency will focus on identifying external threats through intelligence collection, processing and analysis.

Sweden's government announced plans on May 5 to establish a new foreign intelligence agency, the Swedish Foreign Intelligence Service (UND), with operations set to begin on Jan. 1, 2027. The agency will focus on identifying external threats through intelligence collection, processing and analysis.

The move follows criticism that Sweden's Military Intelligence and Security Service (MUST) failed to predict Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, despite signs of a military build-up. An official review and some politicians raised concerns over the intelligence failure.

The move follows criticism that Sweden's Military Intelligence and Security Service (MUST) failed to predict Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, despite signs of a military build-up. An official review and some politicians raised concerns over the intelligence failure.

Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said the new agency would be comparable in function to the UK's MI6 and would take over some responsibilities from MUST. It will also coordinate with the Swedish Security Service (SAPO) and the National Defence Radio Establishment (FRA).

Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said the new agency would be comparable in function to the UK's MI6 and would take over some responsibilities from MUST. It will also coordinate with the Swedish Security Service (SAPO) and the National Defence Radio Establishment (FRA).

The cost of the new agency is estimated at around 2.8 billion crowns ($302 million), with resources primarily transferred from the armed forces budget. A bill has been submitted to the Council on Legislation, with parliament expected to receive it in June.

The cost of the new agency is estimated at around 2.8 billion crowns ($302 million), with resources primarily transferred from the armed forces budget. A bill has been submitted to the Council on Legislation, with parliament expected to receive it in June.

Sweden joined NATO on March 7, 2024, ending more than 200 years of military non-alignment, becoming the alliance's 32nd member. Stenergard said the new intelligence structure would align Sweden more closely with NATO frameworks and meet expectations as a member state.

Sweden joined NATO on March 7, 2024, ending more than 200 years of military non-alignment, becoming the alliance's 32nd member. Stenergard said the new intelligence structure would align Sweden more closely with NATO frameworks and meet expectations as a member state.

Sweden's broader security overhaul includes an allocation of more than 170 billion Swedish kronor through 2030 to bolster military capabilities. Legislative proposals accompanying the UND's creation include amendments to more than 20 existing acts governing defense, data protection and security operations.

Sweden's broader security overhaul includes an allocation of more than 170 billion Swedish kronor through 2030 to bolster military capabilities. Legislative proposals accompanying the UND's creation include amendments to more than 20 existing acts governing defense, data protection and security operations.

Sweden Plans New Foreign Intel Agency by 2027

Sweden Plans New Foreign Intel Agency by 2027

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Sweden Plans New Foreign Intel Agency by 2027

Sweden Plans New Foreign Intel Agency by 2027

The Controversies

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