Sweden's armed forces have asked the government to expropriate a Russia-owned property located near the Muskö Naval Base, citing national security concerns heightened by the threat of Russian drones. The military has formally requested the seizure of the beach plot, which is situated in the Stockholm archipelago. The request cites "the threat from Russian drones and the ownership situation of the property" as justification.
According to Swedish reports, a businessman with alleged ties to the Russian state has been constructing a luxury house on Muskö island. However, the property is officially registered under his wife's name, who holds both Russian and Swedish citizenship. This ownership structure has raised concerns for the Swedish military.
Sweden's decision to seek the property's seizure comes two years after the country ended its long-standing military non-alignment and joined NATO in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In its official statement, the military highlighted the property's "unique conditions for strengthening the defence of Muskö Naval Base, particularly against drones." The development of Russian drone warfare has significantly "changed the threat landscape for Sweden," the military added. Public broadcaster SVT has described the property as a persistent issue for the armed forces.
Defense Minister Pål Jonson emphasized the need for Sweden to "make sure there's no risk of anyone gaining visibility into the site or any kind of tactical edge." The Chief of the Defence Staff, Carl-Johan Edström, stated that Sweden is "facing the most serious security situation since the end of World War Two."
It remains unclear whether the Russian businessman is currently residing in Sweden. His wife reportedly acquired ownership of the property in 2017.