Nationella Insatsstyrkan: A Sweden’s prime counter-terrorism unit

Nationella Insatsstyrkan (NI) is Swedish National Task Force formerly known as ONI (Ordningspolisens Nationella Insatsstyrka). The unit was formed in 1991 and quickly distinguished itself as Sweden’s primary counter-terrorism unit. Still, although they have jurisdiction in the whole country, the need for the unit has been limited so far.

Introduction

NI is designated as the prime counter-terrorism unit in Sweden. They are responsible for handling extraordinarily difficult or life-threatening criminal situations, such as terrorism, hostage situations, armed kidnapping, and serving high-risk arrest warrants in cities too remote for Piketen in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö to handle. NI is similar to other units in Europe, such as Germany’s GSG 9,  French GIGN, British SCO19, Irish ERU. Their structure and training are also related to the FBI HRT in the United States.

Standard operating procedures

The unit is supported by local SWAT teams attached to the local police departments in Sweden. That means that in the case of an emergency, local SWAT teams are first responders and the ones responsible for preparing intelligence and sealing the place until NI comes.

Even though they are regular domestic police units, NI has been involved in some jobs abroad. In 2006, NI officers were deployed to Lebanon to help evacuate Swedish citizens during the war between Hezbollah and Israel. NI officers have also been deployed with Special Team Six in Kosovo to the EULEX mission.

Organizational structure

Nationella Insatsstyrkan operators work full-time in the force. They used to work two weeks and then have two weeks of regular police work, but as the need increased, they changed it to full-time to cope with the demand and the need for more training. NI has around 50 members divided into eight groups:

• Two assault groups (Alpha, Beta)
• Two support groups (Charlie, Delta)
• One demolition group (Echo)
• One sniper group (Fox)
• One sniper support group (Golf)
• One scuba divers group (Hotel)

Weaponry and gear

The assault groups are armed with various Heckler and Koch MP5 models and Sig-Sauer P228s for personal defense. The sniper support group uses the L96A1 7.62mm sniper rifle. Personal body armor is mostly of indigenous Swedish origin and has been battle-proven by Swedish soldiers in UN missions.

There are also assault rifles (Heckler & Koch G36) and various shotguns. According to pictures taken during US President Barack Obama’s visit to Stockholm in September 2013, NI also has the new Sako TRG M10 Sniper Weapon System in caliber .338 Lapua Magnum in their inventory.

The unit also distinguishes itself from other Swedish police by a wide variety of uniforms, including standard Army woodland camouflage.

Training and selection

Nationella Insatsstyrkan’s tactical training is not different from other West-European counter-terrorist teams. Most of their training exercises deal with urban hostage rescue. In addition to assaulters, they have a negotiation team that attempts first to gain the hostages’ release through peaceful means.

Part of their training is done with the Swedish Armed Forces. Several members are former members of elite military units, and some describe the Nationella Insatsstyrkan as a paramilitary unit within the Swedish police force.

NI often trains with the special forces unit of the Armed Forces, the Special Operations Task Group.

To be eligible for Nationella Insatsstyrkan, the candidate is required to have at least two years of distinguished service in the police, a clean criminal record, and be able to pass a series of tests:

• Physical stamina
• Marksmanship
• Non-predisposition for several types of phobias, such as fear of cramped spaces, heights, or water
• Psychological fitness
• Deep interview
• Ten days in the field

Headquarters

They are based in Stockholm and under the prime minister’s direct control, who directs them in terrorist actions against Sweden. If the armed response is used to free a hostage from the terrorists, it can only be ordered by the Prime Minister of Sweden or if the life of the hostage is in mortal danger. Transportation of NI members is carried out by the Swedish Air Force or other branches of the Services.

Quick Facts