Sweden has long supported the principle of neutrality, strengthening its armed forces to maintain its independence. And few can argue with that stand, unencumbered by military allegiances, independent of thought, able to act to protect its own interests, territory and integrity. It is a principle too that has seen the nation develop its own indigenous arms industry and expertise, not relying on buying weapons and defence systems from the usual suspects and outlets.
And now, in chilly Baltic waters, around the islands and inlets that dot the Swedish coastline in their tens of thousands, a cat-and-mouse game is being played out — a scenario reminiscent of the dark days of the Cold War. Stockholm’s naval and air forces are scouring the waters in search of an underwater vessel that appears to be a miniature submarine. Grainy images of what appears to be a telescope and white-capped waves have been released, and so far, there have been three reported sightings of the vessel that are credible and warrant the naval response.
Interestingly, Moscow is keeping relatively quiet on the search, issuing a statement that perhaps Sweden should be looking to the Netherlands for answers. The Dutch government, however, is not vague on the issue — yes Holland took part in a training exercise with the Swedes, but all of its vessels have returned and are accounted for. If the vessel is found and is Russian, it is just more proof of the meddlesome and mischievous mind at work in Moscow.
