- Swedish Armed Forces have formally requested the government to expropriate a 600-square-meter property owned by the family of Russian businessman Stanislav Aleshchenko near Muskö Naval Base.
- The military cited unique conditions for strengthening defense against drones, stating that the property is the only non-military-controlled plot adjacent to the base.
- Russian drones are considered a key threat to Sweden, prompting the military to plan the deployment of anti-drone defense systems on the property.
- The property has been owned by Stanislav Aleshchenko's wife since 2017, who holds both Russian and Swedish citizenship.
- Swedish media have reported that the property has been "a thorn in the armed forces' side" due to its strategic location.
- Sweden ended two centuries of military non-alignment and joined NATO in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Swedish military has formally requested the expropriation of a 600-square-meter property owned by Russian businessman Stanislav Aleshchenko near the Muskö naval base, citing unique conditions for anti-drone defense. The military's statement emphasized that the site is crucial for strengthening defenses against aerial threats, particularly from Russian drones.123
The property, which has been described as a "thorn in the armed forces' side," is the only non-military land adjacent to the strategic base. Defence Minister Pål Jonson stated the need to prevent any visibility into the site that could provide a tactical advantage to adversaries.
The military's concerns stem from the evolving landscape of Russian drone warfare, which has significantly altered security dynamics for Sweden. Chief of the Defence Staff Carl-Johan Edström remarked that Sweden is facing its most serious security situation since World War II, necessitating protective measures against both aerial and maritime threats.6
Aleshchenko's wife, who holds both Russian and Swedish citizenship, is the registered owner of the property, which has been under construction for a luxury home since 2017. The military's request reflects a broader shift in Sweden's defense posture following its decision to join NATO amid heightened tensions with Russia.
The Swedish Armed Forces stated, "There is therefore a need to take measures to protect Sweden against the threat posed by both aerial and sea-going drones."
“The property is the only plot adjacent to the base not under military control, and its elevated position offers a clear view of the bay. Chief of the Defence Staff Carl-Johan Edström warned Sweden faces 'the most serious security situation since the end of the Second World War'.”
BBC
UNITED24 Media
Euronews.com
