Hybrid warfare – a complex threat to Swedish health care – Psychiatry AI: Real-Time AI Scoping Review

AI Summary

Hybrid warfare threatens health care via cyberattacks, sabotage, terrorism, disinformation, and infrastructure disruption that undermine emergency and trauma services within total defence.
Health care systems are highly vulnerable because rapid loss of functionality erodes public trust and reduces societal resilience during crises.
Key specific risks include CBRNE events, drone interference, supply chain disruption, and targeted attacks on hospitals, ambulances, and digital health infrastructure.

AI Summary

Hybrid warfare poses an increasing and complex threat to Swedish health care, particularly emergency and trauma services that are integral to the total defence system.

Health care systems are especially vulnerable, as impaired functionality rapidly affects public trust and societal resilience.

Key risks include cyberattacks on digital health systems, physical violence and terrorism targeting hospitals and ambulances, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) incidents, disruption of medical supply chains, drone-related interference with air ambulance services, and disinformation campaigns undermining trust in health authorities.

Basic summary

Lakartidningen. 2026 Jul 21;123. doi: 10.65868/GXVU1889.

ABSTRACT

Hybrid warfare poses an increasing and complex threat to Swedish health care, particularly emergency and trauma services that are integral to the total defence system. Hybrid threats combine military, civilian and technological methods, including cyberattacks, sabotage, terrorism, disinformation and disruption of critical infrastructure, often below the threshold of declared war. Health care systems are especially vulnerable, as impaired functionality rapidly affects public trust and societal resilience. Key risks include cyberattacks on digital health systems, physical violence and terrorism targeting hospitals and ambulances, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) incidents, disruption of medical supply chains, drone-related interference with air ambulance services, and disinformation campaigns undermining trust in health authorities. Regional differences in geography and infrastructure further influence exposure and response capacity.

PMID:42478092 | DOI:10.65868/GXVU1889

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