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Sweden is using an underwater 'gay sailor' to scare off any Russian submarines which might enter their territory.

There have been several incidents of suspected Kremlin subs being spotted off the country's coast over the past 12 months.

Now, the country has installed an underwater 'gay sailor' in an effort to deter any future underwater encroachments.

The unique device also comes with a sonar system that sends out the Morse code saying: "This way if you are gay".

(Image: The Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society)

It's hoped that any Russian submarine will be spooked by the notion of gay acceptance, as LGBT people in Russia are currently facing more and more legal and social challenges.

For any submarines passing close by, The Singing Sailor also features the message “Welcome to Sweden. Gay since 1944" - the year Sweden legalized homosexuality - as an animated neon sign.

The society have released a video of the “sailor” – an animated neon sign of a man wearing white underpants and thrusting his hips - being lowered into the sea from a boat.

It's a tongue in cheek stunt, but there's a serious purpose behind it, says Daniel Holking, communications and fundraising manager with the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society.

"If there is a submarine down there beneath the Baltic waves and the crew should happen to see or hear the Singing Sailor, they are welcome to join us in the Stockholm Pride Parade on August 1.

"In times of unrest, love and peace across boundaries is more important than ever.

"We want to break-up with the violence. Our invitation is also extended to Swedish subs and military personnel and all others that want to join us."

(Image: The Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society)

The Singing Sailor is also a contribution to the debate that we all should shift military resources into development and rethinking security.

President of The Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society Anna Ek says: "If military actions and weapons had functioned as conflict-resolution methods there would be peace in the world a long time ago."

The Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society (SPAS) is the world’s oldest peace organisation which believes conflicts can be avoided through cooperation, resources and diplomacy.