[Sweden]: Operation Sanbornite

[Connor]

OPERATION SANBORNITE SWEDISH ARMED FORCES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

---

OFFICIAL OPERATION ORDER
JUNE 1998
TOP SECRET​

---

Situation Report
For many years under the current administration the Kingdom of Sweden and her Armed Forces has focussed on coastal and mainland defence in order to preserve domestic law enforcement responsibilities, safety and security. However, following the conception of the modern armed forces foreign deployment policy, has seen this focus shift towards international deployment, readiness and capability which has seen to the positioning of Swedish assets worldwide. This has left a void in Swedish defence for early warning of moving assets at sea. In order to combat this Operation Sanbornite will see to the deployment of a Swedish patrol in the English Channel, North Sea and overseas territorial areas upholding international law, treaties and agreements and protecting Swedish interests abroad.

In November 1999, by order of the Department of Defence, the North Sea component of this operation has been cancelled to enable Operation Sanbornite to exclusively focus patrol of the Antarctic region.

Belligerents

Kingdom of Sweden

v.

Objective(s)
OS/1/PP/99 - COMPLETE - Primary maintenance tasks, pre-deployment ammunition provision and supply of essential services/assets.
OS/1/TR/99 - COMPLETE - Tactical relocation of maritime assets to rendezvous point within the North Sea.
OS/1/PR/99 - CANCELLED - Patrol route strategy with the relocation of assets through to the English Channel.
OS/2/TR/99 - COMPLETE - Tactical relocation of maritime assets to rendezvous point at Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
OS/2/PR/99 - ACTIVE - Patrol route strategy with the relocation of assets through to Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
OS/3/TR/99 - ACTIVE - Reinforcement of deployed maritime assets for a wider Antarctic patrol route.

Casualty Report
Nothing to report

Campaign Register
Antarctic Patrol Strategy

---

Deployment

4th Naval Warfare Flotilla [Marion Island NB] Sa'ar 4-class Missile Boat 45-0​ HSwMS Zulu HSwMS Xhosa​ [90x] Active Personnel​ Valour-class Frigate 152-2​ HSwMS Worcester​ [152x] Active Personnel [2x] RHIB​ Svalbard-Class Patrol Vessel 50-2​ HSwMS Immunitet HSwMS Ledning​ [100x] Active Personnel [4x] RHIB​

---

Copyright © Swedish Armed Forces, Kingdom of Sweden
All information is subject to the Swedish Document Classification and Security Act 1995​

 

[Connor]

Karlskrona Naval Base
January 1999
Despite substantial delays brought on by hesitation by the Department of Defence, Operation Sanbornite was finally given the green light in January 1999 granting the first stage of the operation, known by the objective reference 'OS/1/PP/98', enabling the first stages of deployment preparation. Whilst the vessels partaking in this mission were not travelling far from the Swedish mainland the necessity for the routine and structure preparation of assets was fundamental especially when considering the North Sea was said to be one of the most dangerous seas on the planet; this coupled with the fact the corvettes possessed by the Swedish Royal Navy had not yet been deployed outside of the Baltic Sea. Nonetheless, the ships companies of HSwMS Härnösand and Helsingborg were excited to begin their journey aboard the Göteborg-class Corvette - despite rumours amongst many hinting that this was the final trial for the corvette earmarked for replacement.

In the early hours of the morning the ships company would begin the supply of the vessels. This included a full fuelling as well as sensors, systems and processing systems checks onboard. Meanwhile logistically the necessary ammunition and supply for the single Bofors, 57mm Mk2 gun, Bofors 40mm L70 gun, eight RBS16 Mk2 anti-ship missiles, 400mm Type 43/45 torpedoes, mines and depth charges and ELMA anti-submarine mortars were loaded onboard. Needless to say whilst this was done the Rheinmetall TKWA/MASS was checked for operation ability.

Kungsbacka Naval Base
Much was the same in Kungsbacka where the flagship of the Visby-class Corvette, HSwMS Visby, was also receiving a full refuelling and resupply. The Visby boasted a single Bofors 57mm Mk3 gun, RBS15 anti-ship missiles, 400mm torpedo launchers, ASW 127mm rocket-powered grenade launchers, mines and depths charges. It too had a Rheinmetall TKWA/MASS which was checked for operation ability. It also had it's full system, sensors and processing checks completed and the deck of the aviation facilities risk assessed prior to the newly acquired NHIndustries NH90 NFH joining the ships company from the Naval Air Wing, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2 based at Ronnebay Naval Air Base.

The helicopter, one of the most advanced naval variants in the world, was receiving it's own tender love and care with pre-flight checks being completed including that of the anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface unit warfare suites installed. Once done, the aircraft would depart and make it's way to the HSwMS Visby where it will remain for the duration of the mission.

 

[Connor]

Expedition
July 1999
Although this operation up to now wad largely been left without further action pending resolutions in South Africa - credible and recorded threat has been received by the National Security Office, whom manage the homeland security aspect of territorial defence, as well as the Department of Defence, responsible for the military reaction capability of the Swedish Armed Forces. Operation Sanbornite, with the authorisation of the Secretary of Defence, has had the operational orders amended to incorporate a growing threat to Swedish overseas territory governed by the Resolution on Antarctica, primarily Heard Island and McDonald Islands which has seen a peaking interest by the incumbent Australian government. With this threat comes the necessary reaction prompting the decision for the incorporation of assets from the Swedish Royal Navy, 4th Naval Warfare Flotilla based at Marion Island Naval Base; the newest state-of-the-art military base recently constructed for the Royal Navy.

As a preliminary show of force the operation will see two Sa'ar 4-class Missile Boats, recently constructed as part of the naval force in the Southern Hemisphere, deployed for active patrol in and around the Swedish Antarctic Territory. HSwMS Zulu and HSwMS Xhosa would immediately see preparations take place including a complete refuelling, essential crew assets loaded onboard and all sensors, processing systems, electronic warfare and decoys checked for operational working condition. The four onboard Gabriel II surface-to-fair missile systems, Phalanx CIWS, two OTO Melara 76mm naval gun and two Oerlikon 20mm cannons are fully loaded with spare ammunition stored onboard.

This part of the mission has been expedited and immediately upon preparation being complete the crew, forty-five strong, would board the vessels and depart immediately via patrol route KE > LE > ME > MD. This route will see the vessels pass most, if not all, Swedish Antarctic Territory on the way to Heard Island and McDonald Islands enabling a clear patrol path and strategy well within the capabilities of the vessels. Throughout the journey the vessels would ensure their systems were fully operational, encrypted radio communications as appropriate with the Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters to maintain global positioning and managed progression through dangerous waters ensuring the integrity of the ships build.

All deployment details remain in-line with security classifications marked on the operational order and will do throughout the operations existence unless otherwise defined.

 

[Connor]

Tactical Relocation (OS/2/TR/99)
July 1999
The journey to Heard Island and McDonald Islands was not far in the grand scheme of things, however it did mark an important logistical challenge for the soon-to-be South African and Antarctic Command for the Swedish Royal Navy. It was important that the capabilities of the defence network globally was able to quickly react and respond to threats throughout Swedish overseas territory and interests abroad; of which the disputed historically Australian islands are undeniably Swedish sovereign territory as defined by the Global Assembly Resolution on Antarctica. A resolution the Department of Foreign Affairs is extremely proud of given the complexities of the Antarctic Conflict; undermining this agreement was not an option, especially given the attempts of the Australian government to blackmail their way through a negotiation phase despite a very clear intention for Sweden to work in-line with obligations set out within the resolution for the return of land.

The deployment of these vessels were clear and there was no cover-up. A show of force. It was clear from recent political affairs that certain nations worldwide were beginning to get too big for their boots and direct threats towards Swedish overseas territory was becoming abundantly clear. The show of force was not only a non-hostile way of displaying the capability for rapid deployment and containment of territorial waters but also the commitment to defend those waters if required. The Sa'ar 4-class Missile Boat was an extremely agile vessel and capable of navigating its way to the islands without undue delay whilst maintaining the necessary caution through undoubtedly dangerous waters.

The mood onboard both vessels were sombre as the company came to the realisation that they were deploying in a similar fashion to the beginnings of the original Antarctic Conflict, which saw to the murder of one hundred and twenty personnel in the freezing waters of the Southern Ocean only a stones throw from the anniversary last year. Their commitment to service was remembered on board and kept the vessels powering onwards to their destination.

Once arrived they would waste no time performing reconnaissance tasks around the islands, which included a full looped patrol of the islands borders identifying vessels, aircraft or even land activity which was undue or absurd for reporting back to the Department of Defence. Their patrol would see these vessels remain in territorial waters for the foreseeable - remaining in direct contact with civilian traffic to ensure the safety and freedom of passage of vessels but also ensuring onboard sensors and systems were active to detect hostile activity.

 

[Connor]

Tactical Relocation (OS/1/TR/99)
July 1999
Following the very public announcement by Mexico affirming their commitment to the action of the government of South Korea and the United States of America in opposing the actions in South Africa, and their assurances that military force may be used in order to assert their position, Operation Sanbornite has quickly raised in significance to the Department of Defence who deem the announcements a real-time threat to the safety of mainland Sweden and overseas territory. Given the close succession of the outbound travel restrictions in place by Mexico and the United States it would not be unjust to presume that they were working in tandem and in turn both willing, presumably with South Korea, to use military force against the Kingdom of Sweden. As a result, defensive actions are required immediately.

First and foremost the operation already encompassed the protection of overseas sub-Antarctic territory namely the Heard Island and McDonald Islands however this quickly became insufficient. Investment has been called upon by the Department of Defence for further investment in patrol-capable vessels in the southern hemisphere as soon as physically possible to expand the patrol capabilities in the region.

In addition the initial purpose of this operation, patrol measures in and around the English Channel and North Sea, are to be put in motion. These vessels along with their air wing components were already prepared, fuelled and loaded for the mission and were simply awaiting the orders to deploy for tactical relocation in line with the operational order. This was granted which in-turn triggered the rapid boarding of all remaining vessels with the appropriate ships company allowing their movement out of the Baltic Sea and towards their patrol grounds. HSwMS Härnösand, HSwMS Helsingborg and HSwMS Visby would move via JO > IO where they would then, after the extremely short journey, perform patrol tasks in the North Sea and English Channel.

As a move of courtesy, the British Ministry of Defence is made aware of the Swedish presence.

Jamie

 

[Connor]

Antarctic Patrol (OS/3/TR/99)
November 1999
Following the recent announcement by the Australian Antarctic Division, apparently headed by the hyperbolically named Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, the order was given by the Department of Defence for a complete review of Operation Sanbornite. This has since been completed in it's entirety encompassing the recent division of the Swedish Royal Navy into two primary commands: the Swedish Central Command and the South African and Antarctic Command; this too saw a number of movements with vessels being restructured across the country, and on occasion across the world.

Part of this review brought the scope of the Antarctic Patrol Strategy into the foreground and has seen to the additional requirement for the deployment of HSwMS Worcester, a Valour-class Frigate, and two Svalbard-class Patrol Vessels namely HSwMS Immunitet and HSwMS Ledning.

Almost immediately upon receiving operational orders the vessels, all of which stationed at Marion Island Naval Base, would begin being prepared with the necessary food, essential materials and a complete oil, fuel and lubricant replenishment. HSwMS Worcester would see a complete test of her sensors and processing systems, electronic warfare suite and decoys whilst the necessary ammunition and missiles were stocked to ensure the two four-cell anti-ship missile launchers, sixteen cell vertical surface-to-air launching system, Denel 35mm Duel Purpose Gun, two Oerlikon 20mm cannon, two 12.7mm Rogue remotely operated guns and torpedo tubes were fully operational. On this mission the vessel will not carry any aircraft. In addition, the Svalbard-class Patrol Vessels would also see ammunition onboard for the Bofors 57mm cannon, 12.7mm machine guns and Simbad surface-to-air missile system was fully loaded. On this mission the two patrol vessels will not carry any aircraft.

Once replenishment was complete they would immediately leave port and make for their destination off the coast of the former Australian Antarctic Territory via sectors LE > ME > ND > OD > PD.

This deployment is classified in line with the designation given with the original operation orders.

 

[Connor]

Antarctic Patrol
November 1999
Whilst the travel went relatively smoothly the patrol was yet to take place and was likely, with the talks between Sweden and Australia being less about the continent and more of a shit-slinging competition, to be a relatively high risk affair. Nonetheless, once arrived in the relevant sector the crew aboard the vessels would ensure they make a triangular formation with the Svalbard-class Patrol Vessels taking up the rear whilst the Valour-class Frigate glides ahead. The plan was to patrol the coastline of what was formally recognised as the Australian Antarctic Territory whilst the construction of TPOL stations, funded and due imminently, takes place nearby giving the vessels the access and ability to refuel as necessary to continue their patrols. Operation Resolute was of no secret to the Swedish Royal Navy and with the substantial deployment made as part of that operation they were actively monitoring onboard systems to ensure they were aware of any nearby vessels for immediate contact. In some cases the systems onboard would have the capability to detect vessels long before they were ever visible.

Throughout their time in the Southern Ocean they would all remain in contact communication with Armed Forces Headquarters whom would in-turn deliver appropriate messaging onwards to the Department of Defence for constant monitoring, position updates and escalation of activity if deemed necessary.

Following extensive review the Department of Defence make the decision to cancel ongoing North Sea operations to retain Operation Sanbornite as an operation exclusively for the ongoing Antarctic activity. No confirmation has been given whether these operations will continue elsewhere however all deployed assets have been ordered to return to their home ports immediately.

This deployment is classified in line with the designation given with the original operation orders.

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Operation Termination
September 2000

Extensive restructuring of the Swedish Royal Navy, the largest of its kind for decades, has seen to the larger secure of infrastructure in the region, particularly the introduction of two additional modern military bases ensuring strategic defence. As a result and particularly noting economic constraints attributed to Operation Sanbornite, the operation would be formally terminated. All materiel is ordered back to homeport.