Swedish military urges government to seize Russian-linked beachfront near Muskö naval base

Swedish armed forces have formally petitioned the government to take over a beachfront parcel on Muskö island, part of the Stockholm archipelago, because it is owned by a Russian-connected businessman and his dual-citizen wife. The couple has been building a high-end residence on the site, prompting the military to warn that the location could be exploited for surveillance or drone attacks against the nearby Muskö Naval Base.

In a statement, senior defence staff highlighted that Russian drone warfare has altered Sweden’s threat environment. Defence Minister Pål Jonson echoed the concern, saying the state must prevent any potential tactical advantage for foreign actors. The chief of the Defence Staff, Carl-Johan Edström, described the situation as the most serious security challenge since World War Two. Public broadcasters have noted the property has long been a point of friction for the armed forces.