logo
Sweden's Stealth Navy: Visby Corvettes and Gotland Submarines

Sweden's Stealth Navy: Visby Corvettes and Gotland Submarines

Yahoo04-05-2025
Sweden favors stealth over brute force—and nowhere is that more apparent than in its two naval marvels: the Visby-class corvette and the Gotland-class submarine. Engineered for one of the most complex maritime environments in the world, these platforms embody the Swedish Navy's philosophy of striking silently, surviving unpredictably, and defending decisively.
The Visby-class corvette is one of the most radar-evading warships ever built. Its angular, carbon-fiber hull dramatically reduces its radar cross-section, while integrated weapons and sensors help it operate undetected in littoral zones. Despite its sleek profile, the Visby is packed with anti-submarine, anti-ship, and mine warfare capabilities—tailored for the Baltic's tight, shallow waters.
Beneath the surface, the Gotland-class submarine is a master of silent operations. It was the first operational sub to feature air-independent propulsion (AIP), allowing it to remain submerged for weeks without surfacing. Its quiet diesel-electric engines and stealthy profile once allowed it to 'sink' a U.S. aircraft carrier during a training exercise—without ever being detected.
Together, the Visby and Gotland represent a highly strategic blend of innovation and geography. They're not built to dominate oceans—they're built to disappear in narrow seas and reappear with deadly precision. Quiet, agile, and nearly invisible—this is Sweden's naval edge.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

I Asked ChatGPT What Would Happen If Billionaires Paid Taxes at the Same Rate as the Upper Middle Class
I Asked ChatGPT What Would Happen If Billionaires Paid Taxes at the Same Rate as the Upper Middle Class

Yahoo

time7 hours ago

  • Yahoo

I Asked ChatGPT What Would Happen If Billionaires Paid Taxes at the Same Rate as the Upper Middle Class

There are many questions that don't have simple answers, either because they're too complex or they're hypothetical. One such question is what it might mean for billionaires to pay taxes at the same rate as the upper middle class, whose income starts, on average, at around $168,000, depending on where you live. Find Out: Read Next: ChatGPT may not be an oracle, but it can analyze information and offer trends and patterns, so I asked it what would happen if billionaires were required to pay anywhere near as much as the upper middle class. Here's what it said. A Fatter Government Larder For starters, ChatGPT said that if billionaires paid taxes like the upper middle class, the government would bring in a lot more money — potentially hundreds of billions of dollars more every year. 'That's because most billionaires don't make their money from salaries like upper-middle-class workers do. Instead, they grow their wealth through investments–stocks, real estate, and businesses–which are often taxed at much lower rates or not taxed at all until the assets are sold,' ChatGPT told me. Billionaire income is largely derived from capital appreciation, not wages. In other words, they make money on their money through interest. And as of yet, the U.S. tax code doesn't tax 'unrealized capital gains' so until you sell your assets, you could amass millions in appreciation and not pay a dime on it, ChatGPT shared. Learn More: What Do Billionaires Pay in Taxes? Right now, many billionaires pay an effective tax rate of around 8% or less, thanks to loopholes and tax strategies. Meanwhile, upper-middle-class households earning, say, $250,000 might pay around 20% to 24% of their income in taxes. (Keep in mind that the government doesn't apply one tax bracket to all income. You pay tax in layers, according to the IRS. As your income goes up, the tax rate on the next layer of income is higher. So you pay 12% on the first $47,150, then 22% on $47,151 to $100,525 and so on). So, if billionaires were taxed at the same rate as those upper-middle-class wage earners, 'it would level the playing field–and raise a ton of revenue that could be used for things like infrastructure, education or healthcare,' ChatGPT said. The Impact on Wealth Equality I wondered if taxing billionaires could have any kind of impact on wealth equality, as well. While it wouldn't put more money in other people's pockets, 'it could increase trust in the tax system, showing that the wealthiest aren't playing by a different set of rules,' ChatGPT said. It would also help curb 'the accumulation of dynastic wealth,' where the richest families essentially hoard wealth for generations without contributing proportionally to the system. But it's not a magic bullet. 'Wealth inequality is rooted in more than just taxes–wages, education access, housing costs, and corporate ownership all play a role,' ChatGPT said. Billionaires paying taxes doesn't stop them from being billionaires, either, it pointed out. Taxing Billionaires Is Not That Simple While in theory billionaires paying higher taxes 'would shift a much bigger share of the tax burden onto the very wealthy,' ChatGPT wrote, billionaires are not as liquid as they may seem. 'A lot of billionaire wealth is tied up in things like stocks they don't sell, so taxing that would require big changes to how the tax code works.' Also, billionaires are good at finding loopholes and account strategies — it might be hard to enforce. What's a Good Middle Ground? We don't live in a black and white world, however. There's got to be a middle ground, so I asked ChatGPT if there is a way to tax billionaires more, even if it's not quite how the upper middle class are taxed. A likely compromise would come from a policy decision, which isn't likely to be forthcoming anytime soon. President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill only offered more tax breaks to the wealthiest. However, policy proposals that have been floated, include: A minimum tax on billionaires where they might pay around 20% of their overall income Limiting deductions and closing tax loopholes that allow them to significantly reduce taxable income Tax unrealized gains (those assets that have only earned but not yet been sold), gradually. ChatGPT agreed that billionaires could pay more than they currently do, even if they don't pay exactly what upper-middle-class workers pay in percentage terms. 'The key is to design policies that are fair, enforceable, and politically feasible.' I asked how realistic such policy proposals are, and ChatGPT told me what I already knew: They're 'moderately realistic' but only with the 'right political alignment.' More From GOBankingRates 9 Downsizing Tips for the Middle Class To Save on Monthly Expenses This article originally appeared on I Asked ChatGPT What Would Happen If Billionaires Paid Taxes at the Same Rate as the Upper Middle Class Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Inicia sesión para acceder a tu portafolio Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información

Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead Offers the Versatile E-Class All-Terrain Wagon
Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead Offers the Versatile E-Class All-Terrain Wagon

Yahoo

time3 days ago

  • Yahoo

Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead Offers the Versatile E-Class All-Terrain Wagon

Luxury Meets Adventure: E-Class All-Terrain Available at Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead PEORIA, Ariz., July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury and Utility Combined: Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain Available at Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead offers the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain, a luxury wagon that blends sophisticated comfort with rugged capability. Built for drivers who seek versatility without compromising elegance, the E-Class All-Terrain is a standout addition to the dealership's premier lineup of vehicles. Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! The Insurance Savings You Expect Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You Great Rates and Award-Winning Service A New Standard for Refined Versatility: Elevated Design, Everyday Practicality The Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain combines the premium styling of the classic E-Class sedan with the elevated ride height, body cladding, and performance of an SUV. Under the hood, it features a powerful turbocharged engine paired with mild hybrid technology for improved efficiency and responsiveness. Inside, the cabin offers premium appointments, including a 14.4-inch multimedia touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument display, and customizable 64-color ambient lighting. With 40/20/40-split folding rear seats and a hands-free power liftgate, the E-Class All-Terrain offers an ideal solution for families, professionals, and anyone with an active lifestyle. Convenient Online Shopping Experience: Browse, Build, and Buy from Anywhere Customers interested in the E-Class All-Terrain can take advantage of Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead's online shopping tools. The dealership website offers a full inventory of available models, including real-time pricing, financing options, and vehicle customization tools. With digital paperwork, remote test drive scheduling, and home delivery options, drivers can experience luxury on their own terms. About Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead Located in Peoria, AZ, Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead is known for its dedication to luxury, performance, and personalized customer service. The dealership serves discerning clients from Peoria, Glendale, Phoenix, and beyond. With a state-of-the-art showroom, certified Mercedes-Benz technicians, and an award-winning sales team, Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead continues to set the standard for a premium car-buying experience in the Southwest. Media Contact: Name: MATT MCDERMOTT, Phone: 480-213-1265, Email: mattm@ Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead, located in Peoria, AZ, offers automotive solutions and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

I test drove XPeng's electric minivan. Its back seats are the business class of the road.
I test drove XPeng's electric minivan. Its back seats are the business class of the road.

Business Insider

time6 days ago

  • Business Insider

I test drove XPeng's electric minivan. Its back seats are the business class of the road.

Last year, over 17 million EVs were produced globally, and China made most of them. Our reviewer drove the XPeng X9, a seven-seater EV minivan, around Singapore for three days. The back seats felt like business class, and it made him rethink what a people mover can be. Chinese EVs are coming in every shape and size — including luxury minivans. I spent three days driving the XPeng X9 around Singapore to find out what this futuristic people-mover is all about. I was seriously impressed. XPeng, founded in 2014 and based in Guangzhou, isn't just making EVs — it's also dabbling in flying cars and robotics, making it one of the more ambitious players among a cutthroat global battle for transportation dominance. "Competition in 2025 will be fiercer than ever," XPeng's CEO, He Xiaopeng, wrote in a letter to employees last year. He added that the next two years mark the "elimination round." In 2024, over 17 million EVs were produced globally, a 25% jump from 2023. Over 70% of them were made in China, per the International Energy Agency. As of March 2025, XPeng is selling cars across Asia and Europe, with plans to expand to the Middle East and Africa. The X9 was inspired by the CEO's experience balancing family life with his role as an entrepreneur and a "hands-on father," Alex Tang, the head of XPeng's international sales and service division, told Business Insider in a statement. "He envisioned a vehicle that drives with the agility of an SUV, carries the sleek silhouette of a coupe, and delivers the comfort and practicality of a premium MPV," Tang said. On the outside The seven-seater X9, first released in October 2023, is priced between 359,800 and 419,800 Chinese yuan, or $50,185 and $58,550. It grabbed my attention right away, mostly because of its shape. Instead of following the usual luxury minivan formula, XPeng gave it a bold, trapezoidal twist. It feels like the Tesla Cybertruck of the EV multipurpose vehicle world: sharply styled, tech-packed, and built to rethink what a people mover can be. The proportions and lines are spot-on, topped off with sleek 20-inch alloys. Getting behind the wheel The X9 is big — really big. At 208 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 70 inches tall, it's the longest of any Chinese electric minivan on the market. While it's not the slimmest in width, its overall dimensions still make it one of the most space-efficient in its class. For perspective, it's even longer than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. But the real surprise was how easily it maneuvered into tight parking spots, even parallel ones. XPeng has equipped it with an easy-to-use park assist system. It can park itself if you want it to. But if you're like me and prefer doing it yourself, the network of cameras and sensors makes the job stress-free. The system is named XPilot Parking. While it's not a function that's unique to the XPeng, no BYD models — the world's largest electric vehicle maker — offer the same feature. Another neat party trick: rear-wheel steering. It gives the X9 an edge in maneuverability — a feature typically reserved for high-end luxury sedans like the BMW 7 Series. It really shines on winding roads or when a hot hatch is tailgating and you need to stay sharp. XPeng says the X9's WLTP range exceeds 350 miles on a single charge. I couldn't validate it, as I only covered 160 miles during the three-day drive. On the inside The X9 comes fitted with standard air suspension, which you can set to Comfort, Standard, or Sport for your different driving moods. I found that for a luxury minivan like this, Sport seemed unnecessary. The setting stiffens the suspension. While it reduces body roll and improves overall handling, it also transmits more bumps and road imperfections, compromising ride comfort for everyone on board. This suspension allows drivers to raise or lower the car at the touch of a button on the 17.3-inch touchscreen. Lift it when there's flooding, or drop it for easier access when passengers are getting in or out. No other EV minivan offers this feature. The Chinese have really nailed the art of crafting luxurious interiors, and the X9 is no exception. Many Chinese cars, including the X9, now come standard with massive screens, premium materials like leather and high-quality plastics, and even reclining rear seats with massage functions. Features that were once reserved for top-tier German brands are now common in the latest generation of Chinese vehicles. One of the coolest touches of XPeng's minivan: The rear air conditioning vents are seamlessly integrated into the ceiling, like something you'd see in a convention hall. Ride in the back A car like the X9 makes calling "shotgun" pointless — the best seats are in the back. A pair of captain's chairs offers plenty of controls to find your sweet spot, plus a third row that's honestly the most comfortable and well-cushioned I've seen in my 23 years of reviewing cars. Once again, XPeng shows serious attention to detail: The third row, usually where you stash someone you'd rather not hear yapping the whole ride, is not only easy to access but actually comfortable for adults. Since this is a luxury minivan, passengers in the back get pampered with perks like a built-in fridge to keep drinks chilled and a 21.4-inch entertainment screen. And if you've got teenagers, you can hook up an Xbox to keep them entertained instead of listening to them confuse you with their Gen Alpha slang.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store