Sweden provides submarine expertise to bolster NATO Baltic defense

Sweden is leveraging its extensive experience in submarine operations to strengthen NATO’s collective defense in the Baltic Sea. The Swedish Armed Forces noted that local knowledge is increasingly vital as the alliance expands naval surveillance to monitor undersea cables and pipelines.

The Baltic Sea presents unique challenges for submarine operations and anti-submarine warfare due to its shallow average depth of 55 meters, uneven seabed, and fluctuating temperature and salinity. These conditions affect how sound travels through the water, which can either provide cover for submarines or aid in detection.

Sweden shares its regional expertise through cooperation and participation in allied operations, such as the annual NATO exercise Dynamic Merlin. The Swedish Navy’s First Submarine Flotilla, based in Karlskrona, utilizes passive sonar and experienced personnel to interpret acoustic signatures, a skill set essential for securing critical seabed infrastructure and maintaining regional control.