Sweden is preparing for scenarios in which its air force could strike targets deep inside Russia in response to an attack, Colonel Carl Bergqvist, head of the Swedish Air Warfare Center, told T-online.

According to Bergqvist, Stockholm does not intend to limit its military planning solely to defending Swedish territory. The country’s air force is training for operations that could involve strikes far beyond Sweden’s borders, with the aim of making any attack costly for the aggressor.

Bergqvist stressed that such plans are intended for deterrence and retaliation in the event of an attack rather than for preventive strikes.

At the same time, Sweden is expanding its ability to disperse military aircraft instead of concentrating them at conventional air bases. Ordinary highways could be used as temporary runways for takeoffs and landings.

Stockholm is also strengthening its air defenses, improving its ability to shoot down drones and expanding reconnaissance capabilities through unmanned aircraft and satellites.