In brief
Sweden’s armed forces have asked the government to acquire a beach plot near Muskö naval base that is owned by a Russian‑linked businessman. The property, currently registered to his dual‑citizen wife, is seen as a potential point of vulnerability for drone operations within the archipelago. Experts point to heightened dangers from Russian unmanned aircraft and political sensitivities that have prompted the expropriation request. The Swedish defence ministry highlighted that securing the area is crucial for maintaining the base’s operational integrity. The move comes as Sweden tightens security protocols following its NATO membership and the broader threat landscape in Europe.
Sweden’s armed forces have asked the government to expropriate a Russian‑owned property near a naval base on security grounds.
The military requested the seizure of the beach plot near Muskö base in the Stockholm archipelago, citing the threat from Russian drones and the ownership situation of the property.
The ownership traces back to a businessman with links to the Russian state who has been building a luxury house on Muskö island. Although his wife – holding both Russian and Swedish citizenship – is the registered owner, the property remains a concern for defence planners.
Two years ago, Sweden ended its centuries of military non‑alignment and joined NATO in response to Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine.
In its statement, the military said the location had “unique conditions for strengthening the defence of Muskö Naval Base, particularly against drones.” The development of Russian drone warfare has “changed the threat landscape for Sweden.”
The public broadcaster SVT described the property as a “thorn in the armed forces’ side.” Defence Minister Pål Jonson warned that the country must “make sure there’s no risk of anyone gaining visibility into the site or any kind of tactical edge.”
Chief of Defence Staff Carl‑Johan Edström said Sweden was “facing the most serious security situation since the end of World War Two.”
Whether the Russian businessman is currently residing in Sweden remains unclear. His wife has reportedly owned the property since 2017.
