Swedish military seeks to take over Russian-owned estate near naval base

What the report says

Sweden’s armed forces have asked the government to expropriate a Russian-owned beach property near Muskö Naval Base in the Stockholm archipelago, saying the site raises security concerns because of the threat posed by Russian drones and the current ownership arrangement. According to the BBC’s report, the request concerns a plot close to a major naval facility where Swedish officials believe the location could offer strategic advantages to an outside actor.

The article says Swedish media have linked the property to a businessman with ties to the Russian state, while the registered owner is reported to be his wife, who holds both Russian and Swedish citizenship. It also notes that a luxury house has been under construction on the island. The BBC reported that it is not clear whether the businessman is living in Sweden, and that his wife has reportedly owned the property since 2017.

The move comes against the backdrop of Sweden’s shift in security policy after joining NATO two years ago, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In its statement, the military said the site has unusual potential to support defence of the naval base, especially against drones. Defence Minister Pål Jonson was quoted by Swedish media as saying the state must prevent any risk of surveillance or tactical advantage. The armed forces also said Sweden is facing its most serious security environment since World War Two.