Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson has voiced concerns that planned offshore wind farms along the coast could compromise the country’s maritime and air surveillance radar systems. Several other NATO countries have already advanced this public debate, crafting policies that balance both military requirements and the needs of the renewable energy sector.
According to a study by Sweden's Armed Forces, published by national broadcaster SVT, more than a dozen planned wind farms in the Baltic Sea could significantly disrupt military sensors.
The masts and rotating blades of the turbines create radar echoes and other interference, affecting, among other things, the ability to detect submarines.
Defense Minister Pål Jonson informed AFP that he is aware of the report.
"Among other impacts, the warning time for a missile attack could be reduced from two minutes to 60 seconds if an offshore wind farm obstructs detection," he mentioned in a written statement.
He also emphasized the importance of the issue, "considering the gravity of the security situation in Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea."
Tensions in the region have escalated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. NATO recently opened a new naval command center in Rostock, Germany.
At the same time, energy concerns, including the need to increase renewable sources, remain high on the political agenda.
According to a government memo obtained by AFP, Sweden's electricity demand could more than double by 2045.
“The government takes the issue of offshore wind energy seriously, as it involves a conflict between two of our greatest future concerns – Sweden’s security and energy needs,” Jonson stated.