During the weekend's exercise between Swedish and American special forces, new capabilities and weapon systems were tested to strengthen the joint operational capability in the Swedish immediate area, the Armed Forces states.

For the first time, the American long-distance system Himars has been fired in Sweden.

In addition, it is most likely the first time that artillery with such a long range has existed in Sweden.

- As far as I know, it has not happened before.

What does it mean?

- This is a clear and distinct signal intended to increase the deterrence regarding potential threats to Gotland.

From who?

- From the Russian side.

It is the only possible attacker, says research leader Michael Jonsson at the Swedish Defense Research Agency, FOI.

Approach to the road base on Gotland.

The runway is used in everyday life as a normal road.

Photo: US Air Force October 23, 2021

"Raises the threshold"

According to the manufacturer Lockheed Martin, the range is from 15 kilometers to over 499 kilometers depending on the weapon carrier.

This means that the artillery can reach Russia with the longer weapon bearers.

But that is not the purpose, says Michael Jonsson. 

- I interpret it as it is primarily a reinforcement in the event of an attack on Gotland.

In my eyes, this is a way to raise the threshold for an attack by signaling the ability and intention to protect Gotland.

Other countries also have platforms at sea and in the air with weapons that are better to use against potential targets in Russia.

The Baltic countries and Poland are members of the NATO military alliance and are even closer to Russia, he emphasizes.

Jonsson says that the precision of the Himars weapon system is high.

- Accuracy at long distances means that it has the potential to have a good effect.

Partly towards ground units, partly towards high-value targets that can be considered to be grouped - for example air defenses.

He also emphasizes that the system is relatively easy to move.

- It is good mobility.

It demonstrates that you can move it with Swedish Hercules aircraft.

Can become a new arms deal

This spring, the first robots were delivered to Sweden's new air defense system Patriot, which has been purchased by the USA.

The deal took several years to complete and is worth at least SEK 10 billion initially and can be worth up to SEK 40 billion, depending on how many robots Sweden buys.

Can Sweden also buy the Himars artillery from the USA?

- In theory yes.

Sweden will buy long-range artillery, but it has not been decided which. 

The US Air Force unloads Himar's M142 artillery from a Hercules aircraft on a country road on Gotland.

Photo: US Air Force October 23, 2021