Sweden Wants A Long-distance Weapons System That Can Reach Russian Territory

Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson. (Wikimedia Commons/Chief, National Guard Bureau)

JAKARTA - The Swedish military wants long-range cruise missiles capable of striking targets deep within other countries, a deterrent that the Defense Minister said Tuesday was needed to match Russia's own long-range capabilities.

In a report submitted to the government this week, the Swedish Armed Forces said they wanted an armament system with a range of up to 2,000 km (1,243 miles) capable of attacking military installations and critical infrastructure well behind enemy lines.

"War experiences in Ukraine show Russia is actively developing its long-range capabilities, both with cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and long-range drones," Defense Minister Pal Jonson told Reuters.

"We have to build a stronger deterrent to the threat," he said.

To note, the distance between Moscow and Stockholm is about 1,000 km.

The Swedish Air Force has ordered the Swedish-German Taurus cruise missile, with a range of about 500 km, for its Gripen fighter jets, but Defense Minister Jonson said other systems could also be considered.

The report also states that Russia is expected to increase its military capacity in the next five years and Sweden needs to increase its air and intelligence defense capabilities, including drones and spy satellites.