Jonson admitted that recently Sweden and Finland have significantly increased their military potential, and the navies of both countries cooperate closely. The Swedish minister added that his country is planning to build new A26 Blekinge-type submarines so that it will eventually have five such units in its arsenal. Finland has not had any submarines since World War II.
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What changes have occurred in the cooperation between Sweden and Finland?
What submarines does Sweden plan to build?
Why are the Åland Islands important to Finland?
What are the military restrictions in Åland?
“It's a quiet move, but a strategic message.” — commented on this statement by Finnish military science and cybersecurity expert Jarno Limnell, currently also a deputy of the ruling National Coalition Party (KOK). According to him, maritime cooperation between Finland and Sweden “reaches a new level and is of significant importance for the security of the entire Baltic Sea.”
The Åland Islands are crucial for the security of the Baltic Sea
In his interview with HBL, Jonson also referred to the Åland Islands as a demilitarized zone. He emphasized that their special status does not reduce security in the Baltic Sea, because Sweden and Finland are strengthening their military potential and thus also protecting the archipelago. The Åland Islands, located at the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia, halfway through the sea crossing between Finland and Sweden, are formally part of Finland, but enjoy autonomy. The archipelago is of key importance to Finland because the vast majority of Finland's trade routes pass through it.
Åland was established as a demilitarized area after the Crimean War of 1856, and this status was later confirmed after World Wars I and II. Formally, the issues of supervision regarding compliance with demilitarization and non-fortification of the islands are assigned to Russia. There is a total ban on military maneuvers and overflights on the islands. The archipelago is inhabited by approximately 30,000 people. people, mainly Swedish-speaking, and about a hundred Russian citizens.
Since Russia launched its attack on Ukraine, there has been much talk about the potential threat and vulnerabilities related to the special status of the Åland Islands, where Russia has its consulate. According to many commentators, the facility is of an intelligence nature. The Finnish authorities have long emphasized that, together with their allies, they have credible plans to defend the Åland Islandsand this message was strengthened after Finland and Sweden joined NATO (in April 2023 and March 2024, respectively).
