Sweden evaluates offshore wind farm placements amid military surveillance challenges

Several companies are planning to construct large offshore wind farms along Sweden’s coast. However, improper placement of these wind turbines could obstruct the visibility necessary for the military’s surveillance systems. Carl-Johan Edström, a general and head of the defense staff, stated that wind turbines significantly hinder sensor functionality, complicating the detection of threats.

The Swedish Armed Forces has assessed that a wind farm could delay the identification of a launched cruise missile by up to a minute due to the extensive radar reflections and interference created by the turbines’ towers and rotating blades. Furthermore, underwater sensors would also be affected, reducing the chances of detecting hostile submarines. Edström emphasized that such interference is unacceptable given the current security landscape and the responsibility to defend Sweden.

A report from the Defense Ministry indicates that suitable conditions for establishing wind power do not exist in large portions of the Baltic Sea, based on analyses from the Armed Forces. This assessment spans the entire marine area from the Åland Islands in the north to Øresund in the south.

Edström noted that coexistence between extensive wind farms and military capabilities is highly problematic in the Baltic Sea. Plans for major wind farms, which could significantly contribute to Sweden’s electricity supply and climate transition efforts, are being discussed. He expressed the need for earlier involvement in the planning process to identify appropriate locations for these installations.

The government ultimately decides on permits for offshore wind farms, requiring a comprehensive assessment that considers military opinions, according to Defense Minister Pål Jonson.