394 Chapter 3
Fatalities: None
Narrative: The Soviet Union seized four Swedish fishing boats for violating its ter-
ritorial waters. The USSR claimed a 12-mile limit, while Sweden only recognized a
four-mile limit. The crews were put on trial.
MID#2907
Dispute Number: 2907
Date(s): September 24, 1964
Participants: 365 Russia/380 Sweden
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: A Russian military plane violated Swedish airspace.
MID#3093
Dispute Number: 3093
Date(s): October 27, 1981 to November 6, 1981
Participants: 365 Russia/380 Sweden
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: In mid-October 1981, the Soviet Union warned the United States against
trying to change Sweden’s neutral status. This warning followed a Swedish agreement
to produce American aircraft, with the expectation that no technology would be shared
with the Soviets. Then, on October 28, a Soviet submarine was found near a major
Swedish naval base, and Sweden formally protested the maritime violation. While
Soviet submarines were sighted often, this was the first to be caught. The Soviets
asked for permission to rescue the submarine, but Sweden replied that they would not
allow them to enter the restricted areas. The submarine was trapped on the rocks and
would not be able to get free without assistance. On November 6, Sweden released
the Soviet submarine.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from October 22, 1981.
MID#3615
Dispute Number: 3615
Date(s): April 26, 1983
Participants: 365 Russia/380 Sweden
Outcome (and Settlement): Released (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: The Swedish government detained a Soviet tanker but released it the same
day. Sweden then threatened to sink any Soviet submarine entering its waters without
permission.