On Friday the 17th October
the Swedish Armed Forces received credible information on foreign underwater
activity in the Stockholm archipelago. An intelligence operation including
naval-, ground- and air units was initiated immediately. Apart from
the military resources, observations from the public provided important
data.
- The decisive observation is made by the Swedish Armed Forces’
sensors. It is a result of a highly skilled operational conduct. The
observation meets the requirements for the highest level of assessment
grading, confirmed submarine, says Supreme Commander Sverker Göranson.
The Swedish Armed Forces will not account for details on this observation
since it could disclose information on Swedish abilities and capacities.
The analysis cannot determine the nationality of the intruder.
In addition to the decisive observation, a number of other observations
have been analyzed and reach the second highest level of assessment
grading. A picture taken by a member of the public shows an object moving
at a speed of approximately 1 knot. The picture also shows the kind
of spray that arises when water is pushed out of scuttles at the top
of a submarine.
A second observation was made by a naval corvette. Following strong
indications on its sensors, a closer examination of the area was conducted
and recently made traces were found on the bottom. Another observation
was made by a resident in the archipelago, observing an underwater body
with distinctive features. Sensors from the Swedish Armed Forces also
confirmed echoes in the area. Similar observations were made by multiple
credible sources.
- Each of these observations has a high credibility. Together with other
observations, and a confirmed submarine, they generate a pattern. Thus,
the intelligence operation confirms that a foreign power has violated
Swedish territorial integrity. The gravity of this is obvious, says
Supreme Commander Sverker Göranson.
