According to the Swedish military, the military threat from Russia will grow until 2030, regardless of the development of the situation in Ukraine. This may mean increasing the number of Russian land forces stationed on the border with the Baltic countries or strengthening the Russian Navy's fleet in the Atlantic.
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Does Sweden plan to invest in long-range weapons?
What threat from Russia do Swedish troops anticipate by 2030?
What defense systems does Sweden want to develop?
Who commissioned the Swedish Armed Forces report?
The Chief of Staff of the Swedish Army, Carl-Johan Edstroem, explained in a statement to the public broadcaster SVT that missiles with a range of up to 2,000 km may be used if Russia attacks NATO and Article 5, i.e. mutual defense, is triggered.
The media reminds that the distance of 2,000 km allows you to combat targets deep inside Russia. Cruise missiles can serve this purpose.
Russia a threat to its neighbors. This is how Sweden wants to protect itself
Other conclusions from the report include the need for Sweden to develop air and anti-missile defense systems that will be able to protect the country at various levels, from ballistic missiles to small drones. The Swedish army should also increase its combat capabilities in Finland and the Baltic countries, including: by improving drone techniques and having adequate ammunition supplies.
One of the chapters of the study is devoted to the need for Sweden to control the Baltic Sea, which, as it was emphasized, is also important for NATO. It was recognized that this required strengthening command support systems. Another desired capability is to obtain intelligence using Globaleye early warning aircraft and its own satellites.
The report by the Swedish Armed Forces was commissioned in September by the government in Stockholm. Politicians wanted to find out how best to spend increased defense spending. The document will be the basis for decisions on the selection of types of weapons.
