Sweden is developing long-range missiles for the Navy and Air Force and intends to cooperate with other countries in Europe as part of the European Long Range Strike Approach (ELSA). This was announced by the Kingdom’s Minister of Defense Paul JohnsonDay.Az reports with reference to TASS.
“We are developing long-range weapons primarily for the Air Force. We are also introducing more long-range weapons for our fleet, mainly for corvettes,” he said in an interview with the American portal Breaking Defense.
At the same time, Jonson noted that Sweden joined the ELSA program of Germany, France, Italy and Poland several weeks ago. As part of this initiative, European countries want to develop ground-based cruise missiles with a flight range of 1 thousand to 2 thousand km. “Now we are striving to deepen the interaction between our departments and industrial companies, since this depends on our partners and other countries,” the minister said, admitting that the project to develop long-range weapons could be implemented within five years.
“Lesson learned from [конфликта] in Ukraine, is that long-range weapons are becoming increasingly important on the battlefield, with enhanced air defense capabilities,” he added. In his assessment, the program as a whole and new developments will help fill “huge gaps in the NATO alliance’s ability to strike over long distances.”
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Defense Expert on Sweden’s Military Developments
Time.News Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special feature on international defense advancements. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Emma Larsson, a leading expert in military technology and defense strategies. Thank you for being here, Dr. Larsson!
Dr. Emma Larsson (EL): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss the exciting developments in Sweden’s military capabilities.
TNE: Sweden is reportedly developing long-range weapons for its navy and air force. Can you tell us more about the significance of this move?
EL: Absolutely. Sweden’s investment in long-range weaponry marks a pivotal shift in its defense posture. Traditionally, Sweden has maintained a strong focus on territorial defense, but increasing geopolitical tensions have necessitated a broader strategic approach. Long-range capabilities will enable Sweden to project power and deter potential threats more effectively.
TNE: That’s fascinating. How do you assess the motivation behind Sweden’s push for advanced military capabilities?
EL: Several factors are at play. First, the resurgence of military aggression in Europe, especially after the events in Ukraine, has heightened security concerns. Sweden aims to enhance its deterrent capability, ensuring it can respond swiftly to any aggressive maneuvers in the region. Furthermore, Sweden’s commitment to NATO partnerships calls for more robust military interoperability with allies, especially in air and naval operations.
TNE: Can you give us a sense of what types of long-range weapons Sweden is developing?
EL: Certainly! While specific details are often classified, there are reports of Sweden exploring advanced missile systems that could be deployed both from naval vessels and aircraft. This includes air-to-surface missiles and anti-ship missiles that would significantly enhance Sweden’s offensive and defensive capabilities, particularly in the Baltic Sea area.
TNE: What implications do these developments have for regional security dynamics?
EL: Sweden’s advancements will likely spur neighboring countries to reassess their own military strategies, which could lead to an arms race or increased military cooperation among Nordic nations. It could also prompt a response from Russia, resulting in heightened tensions. Ultimately, Sweden’s actions could stimulate a broader dialogue on collective security in Northern Europe.
TNE: How are the Swedish people and government reacting to these changes? Is there widespread support for these military enhancements?
EL: There is a significant portion of the population that recognizes the need for a stronger defense posture given current global dynamics. The Swedish government has seen a shift in public opinion, particularly as younger generations become more aware of security issues. Political consensus is generally leaning towards a proactive defense strategy, although there are still discussions about balancing military spending with social services.
TNE: As we look to the future, how do you envision Sweden’s role evolving on the international stage?
EL: I think Sweden will increasingly position itself as a key player in European defense, working closely with NATO and the EU. Its historical policy of neutrality is evolving into a more active security role, which could pave the way for Sweden to lead initiatives on collective defense and crisis management.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Larsson, for your insightful analysis. This is certainly an exciting time for Sweden and its military advancements. We appreciate your expertise on this topic!
EL: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to share my thoughts. I look forward to seeing how these developments unfold in the coming years.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for joining us in this enlightening discussion. Stay tuned for more updates on global defense developments right here on Time.News!