The Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet will be equipped with the Taurus cruise missile, which has a range of 500 km and is capable of hitting targets in Russia. This was reported by the Dagens nyheter newspaper, which notes that Sweden is acquiring missiles with such a range for the first time.
The JAS 39 C aircraft will be equipped with these weapons in 2028. The new JAS 39 E modification will receive these missiles at a later stage.
“This is what the Air Force has been waiting for so long. It (the missile) allows you to reach targets deep [in enemy territory]. The enemy already has such a weapon, and it is a disadvantage if we do not have it,” former commander of the Swedish Air Force Mats Helgesson said in an interview with the publication.
Sweden is armed with RBS-15 missiles. However, these are naval missiles, which are equipped with ships and aircraft. Their range is 100 km. The new version, called Gungnir, has a range of 300 km. However, as Dagens nyheter notes, the Taurus has an even greater range and is capable of hitting ground targets, thereby reducing the enemy’s offensive potential.
With its latest defense decision, which outlines the defense policy and development of the armed forces for the year, the Swedish parliament decided to provide the national air force with a so-called long-range capability. However, what kind of weapons are we talking about here has only now become known.