Sweden’s military wants long-range cruise missiles able to strike targets deep inside other countries, a deterrent which the defence minister says is needed to match Russia’s own long-range capabilities.
In a report submitted to the government this week, the Swedish Armed Forces said it wants weapon systems with a range of up to 2000km to be able to strike military installations and critical infrastructure deep behind enemy lines.
“The experience from the war in Ukraine indicates that Russia is vigorously developing its long-range capabilities, both with cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and long-range drones,” Defence Minister Pal Jonson told Reuters.
“We must build a stronger deterrent against that threat.”
The distance between Moscow and Stockholm is about 1000km.
Sweden’s air force has ordered the Swedish-German Taurus cruise missiles, with a reach of about 500km, for its Gripen fighter jets but Jonson said other systems could also be considered.
The report also said that Russia is expected to increase its military capacity in the coming five years and that Sweden needs to increase its air defence and intelligence capabilities including drones and spy satellites.
