Swedish Navy Reports Near-Weekly Encounters with Russian Submarines as Baltic Sea Tensions Rise
STOCKHOLM – The Swedish navy is encountering Russian submarines “almost weekly” in the Baltic Sea, according to Rear Admiral Jonas Petkovic, highlighting escalating tensions in the region and prompting calls for continued naval expansion. Petkovic warned that russia is actively modernizing its Baltic fleet and will likely reinforce its capabilities once a ceasefire is reached in Ukraine.
Speaking to journalists, Petkovic detailed Russia’s ongoing naval buildup, stating the country is currently producing one Kilo-class submarine annually in both St. Petersburg and the Kaliningrad enclave. He described a “purposeful and constant modernisation program” of Russian ships. “Once a ceasefire or armistice is eventually in place in Ukraine, you can only assess, and we do assess that Russia will reinforce its capabilities in this region,” Petkovic said. “So with that said, the [Swedish] navy needs to continuously grow and focus on the overall picture.”
Beyond submarines, Petkovic expressed concern over Russia’s “shadow fleet” of civilian-flagged oil tankers, suggesting they could possibly be used to launch drones. “The shadow fleet in itself is not a military problem, but the shadow fleet could affect our nations from a military perspective,” he stated.
The Baltic Sea’s unique underwater conditions – including limited visibility,salinity,and temperature variations – make its critical infrastructure particularly vulnerable,Petkovic explained. He emphasized the reliance of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Lithuania on sea lines for communication and societal sustainment.
however, increased NATO vigilance, particularly through the establishment of Operation Baltic Sentry in January, appears to be having a positive effect. As its launch, “we haven’t seen any cable incidents in this region at all,” Petkovic reported. He credited the operation with demonstrating alliance cohesion and raising awareness among merchant fleets, leading to increased caution in regional waters. “First of all it shows that the alliance works…The Baltic Sentry has proven that point.”
