Sweden stresses vigilance against Russian naval capabilities in the Baltic

Commander Erik Ahlqvist, head of the operational department of the 1st Swedish Submarine Flotilla, told PAP that the Russians have modern technology and advanced systems in the submarine domain. He added that despite NATO's advantage in the Baltic, allies must remain vigilant.

With Sweden's accession to NATO, nine countries with direct access to the Baltic Sea are members of the Alliance. However, as Ahlqvist noted, allies cannot afford to lose vigilance. As the tenth country with access to the Baltic, Russia still poses a threat.

Ahlqvist admitted that the Russians show "relative caution" in their actions in the Baltic Sea. At the same time, he emphasized that the Russian Navy regularly conducts exercises at sea, including those involving submarines.

The Russians have done their homework. They have modern technology and advanced systems. Therefore, we, as NATO members, must also continuously develop and monitor their actions, said Ahlqvist. He also noted that the Russians have key skills and numerous personnel.

The most important task of the Alliance in the Baltic is to continuously mark its presence and - according to NATO doctrine – deterrence. - Ahlqvist said we are not here to escalate tension and exacerbate the situation but to control Russian actions and be prepared to respond.

The Baltic Sea is a relatively shallow and difficult-to-navigate body of water, and there are still over 50,000 unexploded ordnances and sea mines from World War II on its bottom. According to estimates of the Swedish navy, there are still over 50,000 of them. The officer pointed out that knowing their exact location when conducting exercises or operations is necessary, as they still pose a threat.

Ahlqvist drew attention to issues related to the salinity levels of the sea and, thus, the detectability levels of submarines. Therefore, as he stated, Sweden's significant value to NATO is knowledge about the Baltic Sea.

The Swedish navy has 500 years of experience navigating the Baltic. We know these waters have modern technology, submarines, corvettes, and skills in operating in the coastal zone, declared Ahlqvist.

- Now, around the Baltic, we have friends we can always count on. In case of need, they will help us, and we will help them - one for all, all for one - emphasised Ahlqvist.

Sweden contributes to NATO with 25,000 military personnel (including civilian employees), 100 Gripen fighter jets, and a navy with submarines. The navy specialises in operations in shallow waters of straits around archipelago skerries (rocky islands). This country has been cooperating with NATO for 30 years, conducting joint exercises and participating in international missions of the Alliance. Sweden is also a country that produces military equipment (Saab Group company).

Joining NATO means that the Swedish military command sends 250 officers to the Alliance's headquarters, for the rank-and-file soldiers to switch to English in communication with Scandinavian colleagues, and for conscripts stationing, for example, in the Baltic countries.