Karlskrona naval base is the largest naval base of the Swedish Navy[1] located in Blekinge in southern Sweden. The naval base has intimate ties with the city of Karlskrona. It has an exceptionally well sheltered location: arcs of islands provide a strong defense not only from the sea but also from land attacks. At present the naval base is the home base for two of Swedens three Naval Warfare Flottillas.
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After Sweden and Denmark ceased hostilities after the Scanian War (1675–1679), king Charles XI of Sweden made a reconnaissance trip in the eastern part of the Blekinge archipelago. The king decreed the construction, on the island of Trossön of a city named 'Carlscroona'.[2] The major reason for its construction was to provide the Swedish Navy with a permanent base closer to Denmark, which during the whole 17'th century had been the foremost enemy of Sweden. In addition, a shipyard was needed for both construction and repair of ships, as well as supply depots and barracks. The new base had the added advantage of being free of ice in winter, unlike the base in Stockholm which had until then been the main base of the navy. A plan for the base was laid forth by quartermaster general Erik Dahlbergh in 1683, and construction was started two years later. The new city of Karlskrona received its city privileges in 1680.
The base contains ships and vessels from the Swedish 1st Submarine Flotilla and the 3rd Naval Warfare Flotilla.