The Swedish Fleet was established in 1522 during the Swedish War of Liberation. Its earliest mission was to protect maritime connections between the mainland and Österland.[1]
After the War of Liberation, the Fleet was rapidly expanded to meet operational demands, including naval battles, the interception of enemy merchant shipping, and the protection of Swedish overseas territories.[1]
In line with its renewed role since the start of Swedish neutrality, the Fleet is equipped to defend merchant shipping and the coast against a foreign invasion. Since the end of the Cold War, it has also been equipped for international operations under the United Nations.[1]
After the Coastal Fleet was disbanded in 1998, the Swedish Fleet has been organised into two naval warfare flotillas and one submarine flotilla:[2]
Sweden
Swedish Navy