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APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200090016-9


FIGURE 20. A member of the Sea Defense Corps (U/OU) (picture)


Sweden's combatant ships have been constructed domestically. Sweden is also able to manufacture almost all components required in the construction of naval units. Domestic naval repair facilities are modern and capable of all types of hull and engine repairs on ships.


5. Naval coast artillery (C)

The coast artillery is a special part of the naval forces, contributing much to force effectiveness. Combat terrain requirements have resulted in three principal types of coast artillery units: artillery and missile, mine warfare, and coastal rangers. The artillery and mine warfare units represent integrated components for the direct defense of harbor and sea approaches. Most fixed artillery installations have been blasted out of solid rock in areas surrounding important harbors. Each unit is self-supporting. New mobile 75-mm guns in shrapnel-proof turrets are replacing some of the fixed coastal artillery batteries. An unknown number of both fixed and mobile units have a missile capability, including the French Nord SS-11 and the Swedish RB-08 surface-to-surface missiles. Minelaying units are capable of laying extensive minefields along the coat and in potential landing areas. All mines are of the controlled type. Ranger units, utilizing fast amphibious craft, have received amphibious training and can conduct small-scale raid and reconnaissance missions.

Coast artillery officers and NCOs are principally drawn from regular naval personnel. Other personnel are selected from conscripts who volunteer for coast artillery duties and from reserve officers and NCOs.

The navy and coast artillery are integrated at staff level, with coast artillery personnel serving in naval headquarters in Stockholm. Other personnel are largely concentrated in field regimental headquarters from which they may be assigned to dispersed coast artillery stations within the region.


6. Naval air arm (C)

The air component of the navy consists solely of the Swedish Naval Helicopter Service. Its mission is to support the navy and coast artillery in their tasks of anti-submarine warfare (ASW), mine countermeasures, troop movement, reconnaissance, and search and rescue. The service has a total of 30 helicopters (seven Vertol 107, four Vertol 44, nine Alouette II, and 10 Agusta Bell 206A Jet Ranger), and is organized into two multi-purpose squadrons. In addition, the helicopters inventory will be increased by several KV-107 II helicopters ordered from Japan, and delivery is to take place in 1972-73. These helicopters will replace the Vertol 44 which has been in service since the mid-1950s. Helicopter Division I is located at the helicopter base at Berga; Division II is at Save.

Personnel are well trained to carry out their mission, but their capability is restricted by the small number of helicopters and other equipment and by the number of ships designed to accommodate them. Effectiveness in support of coastal ASW operations is negligible, but support of coast artillery operations is good. Search and rescue operations are conducted effectively.

Helicopter pilots are procured from volunteer petty and junior officers of the navy and coast artillery. Basic helicopter training is given by Helicopter Division I at Berga naval helicopter base; advanced training is given by both helicopter divisions. The Osterman Aircraft Company shops in Sodertalje train all maintenance personnel. Selected military and civilian personnel are trained in the United States, and Swedish naval schools provide sonar and electronic


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APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200090016-9