On 15 October, Sweden’s Armed Forces reported that a Russian Kilo‑class submarine entered the Baltic Sea via the Great Belt, prompting a joint chase by Swedish and allied forces – a day after NATO’s earlier jest.
Swedish Armed Forces Statement
Sweden’s Armed Forces released a statement on 15 October detailing activity from the previous day. A Russian diesel‑electric Kilo‑class submarine entered the Baltic Sea through the Great Belt. Swedish naval units and fighters met the vessel in the Kattegat and pursued it, with the operation carried out jointly with allied forces.
NATO Chief’s Joke and Russian Response
Swedish media identified the submarine as Kilo‑class, noting an earlier malfunction in the Channel de la Manche. Russia’s Black Sea Fleet said the sub submerged off the French coast to comply with navigation rules, and it was tracked by a UK warship and helicopter from 7‑9 October. Defense Minister Al Carns described the operation as evidence of Britain’s strong stance with NATO allies against Russian aggression. Dutch officials indicated the submarine is being towed in the North Sea. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte joked that the incident contrasts Tom Clancy’s 1984 novel “Red October,” calling today’s event more “a hunt for the nearest mechanic.”
EU‑NATO Drone‑Wall Cooperation Discussed
On Wednesday, NATO Secretary General discussed EU‑NATO cooperation in building a so‑called “drone wall.” Rutte emphasized that no duplication occurs because the EU and NATO have distinct roles, combining NATO’s standard‑setting and military capabilities with the EU’s market power, financing, and inter‑state alliance strength. He noted that this partnership counters Russian attempts to divide. The drone wall topic was part of a defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels.
