Sweden’s navy shifts from stealth to deterrence with new large warships

Sweden is radically restructuring its naval strategy, moving away from small, hard-to-detect vessels toward large, heavily armed warships designed to deter potential adversaries, according to a report by SVT Nyheter.

Since the 1980s, Sweden’s naval doctrine has relied on numerous small, fast vessels suited to operating in the archipelago, with soldiers landed on islands to engage approaching craft. The new approach marks a significant departure from that model.

“It is an enormous change,” said Johan Granholm, a lecturer at the Swedish Defence University.

Granholm explained that the perceived threat has also evolved. “We no longer believe the threat is an invasion fleet from another country, but many other types of threats that can appear in different places and move quickly,” he said.

Deterrence over concealment

Where the previous strategy prioritised staying hidden, the new one is built on visibility. “You need to be seen, it should be obvious that you are there and show what you are capable of,” Granholm said.

The new vessels are intended to give the navy capabilities it currently lacks. Sweden has also confirmed a purchase of four frigates from France as part of the broader naval build-up.