Sweden detains Russians who “camped” near home of CEO of Gripen jets Ukraine is buying

A Russian couple was detained near the home of Saab CEO Micael Johansson after setting up camp, according to SVT Gävleborg report. The incident underscores the heightened security around Sweden's defense industry amid its arms supply to Ukraine. Saab manufactures the JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet, and in May, Ukraine and Sweden agreed to a defense deal that could see up to 20 Gripen E/F fighters purchased.

Johansson resides under guard due to the nature of Saab's military production. The CEO framed the security response as a routine precaution, stating that the guards checked the Russians as a safety measure. The property where the couple were found was owned by someone close to Johansson, not the CEO himself. The Russian couple arrived at the property claiming they wanted to fish from the pier. When denied, guards arrived and investigated the situation further.

The couple's intentions are still being established, and they have previously told journalists that deportation to Russia would be risky due to their involvement in protests against the war in Ukraine. However, these claims cannot be verified. This episode highlights the heightened state of alert around Sweden's defense sector in light of Russia's threats.