The Perfect Soldier: Special Operations, Commandos, and the Future of Us Warfare by James F. Dunnigan
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Dirty Little Secrets
Swedish Mercenaries Stalk U.S. Warships
by James Dunnigan
October 10, 2004
Discussion Board on this DLS topic
The U.S. navy is trying to hire 20 percent of the Swedish submarine fleet to help in an anti-submarine warfare program. Sweden's submarines are all of very modern design and performance. Sweden pioneered AIP (Air Independent Propulsion.), which allows non-nuclear subs to stay underwater for weeks at a time. Moreover, AIP gear is quieter than nuclear propulsion (because the nuclear reactors need noise producing pumps going all the time to keep them from overheating.) The United States wants to use the Swedish sub (Sweden only has five subs in service), and it’s crew, to help train American anti-submarine forces. The Swedish boat would be a “worst case” scenario, and this approach is preferred for training. The Swedes, of course, would also gain. In addition to the rent payments, the Swedish submarine sailors would get excellent experience at dealing with the most modern anti-submarine gear. The Swedish navy is interested in the proposal, but the final decision is purely political. If the media gets on the wrong side of the idea, negative public opinion will spook the politicians and kill the plan. The Gotland class Swedish subs are small (200 feet long) and have a small crew of 25.
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