The Swedish military is seeking long-range cruise missiles with a 2,000 km range to counter alleged Russian threats. A report by the Swedish Armed Forces outlines the need for strike capabilities to reach targets at a strategic depth of around 2,000 km. The document highlights that the straight-line distance between Moscow and Stockholm is over 1,400 km. Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson has emphasized the importance of a stronger deterrent, warning that people in European NATO states should prepare for potential conflict with Russia. This follows Sweden’s decision to abandon neutrality and join NATO, as well as its increased defense spending to match NATO’s 5% GDP target. The country has also become a significant backer of Ukraine, providing artillery systems, anti-tank weapons, air-defense components, ammunition, and training to Ukrainian forces.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stener, who has been vocal about Russia, criticized NATO members for not providing enough aid to Ukraine, placing an unfair burden on Nordic countries. She stated, ‘The fact that the Nordic countries, with less than 30 million people, provide for one-third of the military support that the NATO countries, with almost 1 billion people, provide this year … 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.’ Earlier this month, defense officials from the Nordic and Baltic nations held simulations of a possible armed conflict or military action against Russia on the northern flank, according to media reports.
Russia has repeatedly dismissed allegations of hostile intent toward Western nations, citing concerns over the growing military activity near its borders and condemning the West’s ‘reckless militarization.’ The Russian government has voiced its worries about the escalating military posturing in the region, which it claims is destabilizing and provocative. As NATO continues to reinforce its eastern flank, including the recent integration of Sweden and Finland into the alliance, Russia’s concerns over its security and territorial integrity have only intensified. The situation highlights the complex and tense dynamics within the NATO-Russia relationship, with Sweden’s military modernization efforts being a key factor in this evolving narrative.