Sweden Seeks Long-Range Missiles to Strengthen Defense
Moscow, however, has dismissed any allegations of having hostile intentions toward Western nations as unfounded.
The report emphasizes the need for investments in strike capabilities that can reach targets at a “strategic depth” of approximately 2,000 kilometers.
For context, the direct distance from Moscow to Stockholm is slightly over 1,400 kilometers.
In an interview with a news agency on Tuesday, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson stressed the importance of Sweden “building a stronger deterrent” in response to Russia’s expanding long-range military capabilities.
Last month, Jonson had cautioned that residents of NATO countries in Europe should brace for the possibility of a war with Russia.
In light of the escalating conflict in Ukraine, Sweden abandoned its longstanding neutrality and formally joined NATO.
Since then, it has become one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters, providing artillery, anti-tank weaponry, air-defense systems, ammunition, and military training.
In June, Sweden committed to increasing its defense expenditure to meet NATO’s revised target of 5% of GDP, a significant rise from the current 2.7%.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard has been particularly outspoken against Russia’s actions, while also criticizing other NATO members for not contributing enough military aid to Ukraine.
She pointed out that Nordic nations, despite their small populations of fewer than 30 million, have been providing one-third of NATO’s military support for Ukraine this year.
She further remarked, “This is not sustainable. It’s not reasonable in any way. And it says a lot about what the Nordics do – but it says even more about what the others don’t do.”
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