The role of the Coastal Artillery (KA) in invasion defense

The Coastal Artillery (KA) forces are organized, equipped, and trained for defense in coastal environments, both in archipelagos and along open coastlines. KA units are tailored to operate in the distinctive environments that coastal and archipelagic zones represent.

The KA war organization is primarily designed to solve invasion defense tasks. However, considering an attacker’s increased ability to initiate a surprise attack, KA units have gradually been adapted to a high level of readiness for deployment and mobilization.

The tasks of KA forces in war are to:
* Defend important coastal areas against invasion.
* Defend strategically and otherwise important harbors, entrances, fairways, and choke points from a strategic standpoint.
* Protect maritime traffic along the coast and within archipelagic areas.
* Defend naval combat force bases.

Additionally, KA forces shall:
* Support our naval combat forces and impede the enemy’s naval combat capabilities.
* Protect deployed coastal defense and shore defense minefields.
* Protect our fishing industry.
* Reinforce the army’s artillery in combating invading forces via beach landings and/or airborne assaults.

During peacetime, in twilight conditions and neutrality, KA forces shall:
* Monitor and uphold Sweden’s territory and independence through a high level of readiness. Submarine defense functions have high priority.

These tasks are accomplished by fixed and mobile units in interaction. KA units collaborate with forces from the navy and other branches of the military, primarily the army.

KA’s main combat assets consist of artillery, missile, and mine systems.

The weapon systems are organized together with personnel in fixed and mobile units. A fixed coastal artillery unit refers to one that is protected in fortifications, either blasted into rock or buried in the ground.