Stockholm: Sweden's armed forces have taken steps to expropriate a property located near the strategically significant Musko naval base. This move is driven by concerns over national security and the ownership of the property by a Russian citizen, as reported by Swedish broadcaster SVT on Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Swedish Fortifications Agency has formally submitted an application to the government for the expropriation, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the armed forces and national security. The decision is motivated by the current security climate, potential threats from Russian drones, and the property's ownership.

The owner of the property, identified as a Russian citizen, is considered a security risk to Sweden's armed forces, as per an official statement. Chief of the Defense Staff, Lt. Gen. Carl-Johan Edstrom, underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, "There is nothing more important than Sweden's security. We are in the most serious security situation since the end of World War II, and the threat to Sweden and the alliance is real."

The property in question is reportedly the only site near the Musko base not under military control. The armed forces assert that control of this site is essential for establishing an "effective defense" of the base, particularly against drone threats. The application for expropriation is based on an existing legal provision that permits the state to acquire land when necessary for national defense.