Sweden Deploys Armed Forces to Baltic Sea Amid Suspected Sabotage and Heightened Security Concerns

Sweden Increases Surveillance in the Baltic Sea Amid Suspected Sabotage

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that Sweden will be sending armed forces into the Baltic Sea for the first time as part of increased surveillance efforts. This comes amidst a spate of suspected sabotage of undersea cables in the region.

Sweden will contribute up to three warships and a surveillance aircraft to a NATO effort to monitor critical infrastructure and Russia's "shadow fleet." This move is part of the alliance's efforts to guard against sabotage of underwater infrastructure.

Speaking at the opening of Sweden's annual Folk och Försvars (people and defence) conference, Kristersson commented on the recent Baltic undersea cable breaks, saying "hostile intent cannot be ruled out."

He also addressed the current security situation, stating that Sweden is not at war, but there is no peace either. He emphasized the need for preparedness in the face of hybrid attacks and "proxy wars."

Kristersson announced that Sweden will be sending an ASC 890 reconnaissance aircraft and up to three warships to the Baltic Sea. This marks the first time Sweden has contributed armed forces in its own immediate area.

He also commented on the investigation into the ship Eagle S, suspected of damaging a cable between Finland and Estonia last month. He stated that NATO is ready to help and that a Swedish submarine rescue ship is on site and has recovered an anchor.

Kristersson stressed that Sweden is not making frivolous accusations, but they take the situation seriously. He also highlighted the increased domestic support for Sweden's recent NATO membership, indicating a shift in the country's approach to security.

The conference also featured other speakers, including former Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard, and Defence Minister Pål Jonson.

This announcement comes as Sweden increases the pace of its military defence modernization amidst what it describes as "the most serious security situation since the end of the second world war." The government has acknowledged that an armed attack on Sweden cannot be ruled out.