(MENAFN) Sweden requires long-range cruise missiles capable of reaching deep into nations it considers a risk, including Russia, according to a report by the Swedish Armed Forces released on Monday.
Moscow has dismissed accusations of having hostile intentions toward Western nations as unfounded.

The report advocates for boosting strike capabilities that can hit targets at a “strategic depth” of around 2,000 km. For comparison, the direct distance between Moscow and Stockholm is slightly more than 1,400 km.

In an interview with a media outlet on Tuesday, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson stated that the nation must “build a stronger deterrent” in response to Russia’s expanding long-range capacities.

Last month, he also cautioned that residents of European NATO countries should prepare for a potential conflict with Russia.

After the escalation of the war in Ukraine, Sweden abandoned its policy of neutrality and joined NATO.

The country has become one of Kyiv’s most steadfast supporters, providing artillery systems, anti-tank weapons, air-defense equipment, ammunition, and training to Ukrainian forces.

In June, Sweden agreed to raise its defense budget to meet a new NATO target of 5% of GDP, up from the current 2.7%.

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard has taken a very hawkish stance on Russia.

However, she has also criticized other NATO members for insufficiently supporting Ukraine, placing an undue burden on Nordic nations.

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