In brief
In a move reflecting heightened security concerns, the Swedish Armed Forces have asked the government to expropriate a property in the Stockholm archipelago that is owned by a Russian-linked businessman. The plot sits close to the major Muskö naval base and could grant a tactical advantage to hostile forces. The request follows Russia's increasing drone capabilities and Sweden's own NATO accession after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Analysts warn that the property's ownership and proximity could allow adversaries to surveil or interfere with naval operations.
Sweden’s armed forces have asked the government to expropriate a Russia‑owned property near a naval base on security grounds.
The request concerns a beach plot on Muskö island in the Stockholm archipelago, close to a major naval base. Parliament and the Ministry of Defence say the property could give hostile forces drone surveillance and a tactical edge.
Sources say a businessman with links to the Russian state is building a luxury house on the island, though his wife—who holds both Russian and Swedish citizenship—remains the sole registered owner.
Two years ago, Sweden ended two centuries of military non‑alignment and joined NATO in response to Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine.
Chief of the Defence Staff Carl‑Johan Edström warned the nation faces its most serious security situation since World War Two, citing the Russian drone threat as a decisive factor.
Defence Minister Pål Jonson added that no person should gain visibility into the site or obtain a tactical advantage. The Swedish public broadcaster SVT has called the property a “thorn” in the armed forces’ side.
