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Sweden on Monday announced plans to send military assets, including warships, on NATO patrols in the Baltic Sea, following a series of alleged sabotage incidents that have raised regional security concerns.
The Swedish government has revealed that it will provide up to three warships, an ASC 890 surveillance aircraft, and coast guard resources to strengthen NATO’s presence in the region.
Four Coast Guard vessels will be deployed immediately, with seven more on standby.
This will be the first military contribution to NATO’s defense and deterrence efforts since Sweden joined NATO in March 2024.
The decision comes amid growing concerns about Russia’s activities in the Baltic Sea, particularly after the damage to the Estlink 2 cable connecting Finland and Estonia over Christmas.
Authorities in both countries suspect the damage was caused by the Russian-linked Eagle S oil tanker dragging its anchor into the ocean floor.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson spoke at the annual security conference, commenting on Sweden’s precarious position in the evolving geopolitical situation. “Sweden is not at war, but it is also not at peace,” Kristersson said, according to TT news agency.
The move is in line with NATO’s broader strategy to strengthen its military presence in the Baltic Sea, announced by Secretary-General Mark Rutte in December.
After Turkiye’s approval, Sweden and Finland joined the alliance in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, making Sweden the 32nd member of NATO.
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