THE Swedish military has resurrected their historic Cold War anti-ship missile system after it was disbanded 16 years ago in a desperate bid to increase its defences.
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The Kustrobotbatteri 90 – previously displayed in a military museum – was the only launcher produced by the Swedish military and had the capacity to fire Saab Robotsystem (RBS) anti-ship missiles from the shore.
Sweden’s Defence Minister, Peter Hultqvist said increasing the country’s military capability was very much “needed”.
He said: “It is extremely good that we have land-based coastal missile systems back in our national defence.
“It means that we can shoot anti-ship missiles from land over great distance. It provides increased flexibility and capability in marine warfare.
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“It increases military capability and that’s something we need.”
The Rear Admiral, Thomas Engevall, said the military system will also be used for a “creative approach”.
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He told the Dagens Nyheter newspaper: “We analysed whether we would be able to put something back together again which was capable of launching it.
“A number of the trucks still remained. We took components from existing missile boats and warships which had the same missile system.”
Sources have claimed Sweden is growing its defence in response to Vladimir Putin's powerful presence in the Baltic Sea.
Stockholm has recently claimed Russian jets were flying near its strategic area and 150 troops were put on permanent service not too far from Russian territory in September this year.
Swedish authorities allocated £557million last year to increase their defence capabilities over increasing fears Russia is growing stronger in the Baltic Sea.
