Key facts
- Sweden's armed forces have asked the government to expropriate a Russian-owned property near the Muskö naval base.
- The military cited security concerns, including the threat from Russian drones and the property's ownership.
Sweden's armed forces have requested the government expropriate a Russian-owned property near the Muskö naval base, citing security concerns related to Russian drone threats and the property's ownership. The military stated the location offers unique conditions to bolster the base's defenses.
The move highlights Sweden's heightened security concerns amid increased Russian military activity and its recent NATO membership, signaling a proactive approach to safeguarding critical defense infrastructure from potential threats.
Sweden's armed forces have formally requested the government to expropriate a Russian-owned property situated near the strategically important Muskö naval base in the Stockholm archipelago. The military cited escalating security concerns, specifically the evolving threat landscape posed by Russian drone warfare and the property's ownership situation, as the primary drivers for the seizure request.
According to Swedish reports, a businessman with alleged ties to the Russian state has been constructing a luxury residence on the beach plot. However, the property is officially registered under his wife's name, who holds both Russian and Swedish citizenship and has reportedly owned the land since 2017. The military emphasized that the property's location offers "unique conditions for strengthening the defence of Muskö Naval Base, particularly against drones."
Defence Minister Pål Jonson stated that the country must ensure "no risk of anyone gaining visibility into the site or any kind of tactical edge." Chief of the Defence Staff Carl-Johan Edström characterized Sweden's current security situation as the most serious since the end of World War Two, underscoring the geopolitical context following Sweden's decision to join NATO two years ago due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The property has been described by public broadcaster SVT as a long-standing concern for the armed forces.