The 12th assistance package, regarding the training of Ukrainian pilots and technicians on the Gripen fighters, has another important aspect – Ukraine’s acquisition of long-range missile weaponry.
The official statement from the Swedish government specifically mentions that, through the International Fund for Ukraine, which is supported by countries such as the United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and others, Ukraine will be able to procure long-range missiles (it should be noted that in the Swedish language “robot” means missile).
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However, this statement was swiftly removed from the official announcement, although it managed to remain cached by Google. There was also a note stating that the previous version contained inaccuracies regarding the use of the fund for this specific purpose.
However, the mechanism through which the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be strengthened with long-range missile armaments is not as crucial as the frequency and substantial scale of such reinforcement. Therefore, it is entirely reasonable to consider hypothetical options and discuss the potential types of missiles that could be transferred.
And the first obvious candidate would be additional Storm Shadow missiles from the United Kingdom, with the transfer of which Sweden’s government can provide funding. This particular option is quite plausible due to its already developed nature and proven effectiveness.
The Joint Strike Missile, the air-launched version of the well-known anti-ship NSM (Naval Strike Missile), which is also capable of engaging ground targets, should not be excluded as well. After all, obtaining the label of “combat-proven effectiveness” could still hold significance for the Norwegian company Kongsberg in terms of enhancing the export potential of their own development.
Sweden’s involvement in the production of the Taurus cruise missile, similar to the Storm Shadow, by MBDA, has been discussed, particularly concerning German missile stocks. However, German officials have stated that there are no plans for transferring the Taurus missiles.
Moreover, Sweden has domestic RBS 15 (Robotsystem 15) missile developed by Saab. While it is mainly used against ships, the upgraded Mk IV Gungnir version can also target ground objects. The RBS 15 Mk IV Gungnir has a range of 200 to 300 km and can be launched from aircraft, ground-based systems or naval vessels.
The RBS 15 Mk IV Gungnir missile weighs 650 kg, with a warhead comprising about 200 kg. It flies at a speed of 0.9 Mach and uses low-altitude flight to bypass anti-aircraft defenses. The missile relies on both inertial and satellite navigation systems, which are resistant to jamming. In the final stage, it autonomously searches for its target using its own radar system.
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