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Sweden Threatens Deep Russian Targets if NATO Attacked
Developing
In Short: Colonel Karl Bergqvist, head of Sweden’s Air Warfare Center, stated on Monday that in the event of a Russian attack, Sweden would target objectives deep within enemy territory.
Colonel Karl Bergqvist, head of Sweden’s Air Warfare Center, stated on Monday that in the event of a Russian attack, Sweden would target objectives deep within enemy territory. This marks a significant shift from Sweden’s long-held tradition of neutrality and purely defensive operations.
Sweden is bolstering its conventional air defenses, drone countermeasures, and intelligence capabilities as part of broader NATO enhancements announced by US General Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), on Saturday.
Denmark, meanwhile, expressed concern over a 'small but growing risk' of a limited Russian military offensive against one or more neighboring NATO countries in the near future.
Sweden’s armed forces are also adapting to a more offensive posture, emphasizing the rapid dispersal of aircraft and the ability to operate from highways and other improvised airstrips, a design feature of its JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets.
In addition, Sweden is acquiring longer-range cruise and ballistic missile systems capable of engaging targets up to 2,000 kilometers away.
What this adds
Since joining NATO, Sweden has been reevaluating its defensive strategies to include more offensive capabilities, a significant departure from its historical stance.
Background
Sweden, formally the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Nordic country located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. It borders Norway to the west and north, and Finland to the east, and shares a maritime border with Denmark to the south.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.