Researchers highlight air defense costs amid evolving threats in Sweden

According to Oscar Jonsson, a researcher in war studies, the cost analysis is a fundamental issue for air defense systems. “It is extremely expensive to deploy a surface-to-air missile capable of detecting incoming threats at high speed. One missile can cost tens of millions, whereas a larger attacking drone might only cost around 200,000 kronor,” he explained.

Surface-to-air missiles rely on advanced technology to locate their targets, using either infrared seekers or radar. Infrared-guided missiles typically track heat sources, primarily engines, but must attack from behind, requiring them to be faster than the incoming projectile. Sten Arve, a lecturer at the Swedish Defence University, adds that infrared systems are most effective against slower aircraft or missiles. For faster threats, radar-guided missiles are necessary, which usually incorporate radar within their nose or receive information from ground-based radar sources.

Another challenge for air defense is the limited coverage area of each unit, which can be relocated, but transport over vast distances takes considerable time. Fighter jets can also engage hostile missile threats and can travel quickly over long distances. However, they require refueling and rearming, limiting their sustained presence. Ground-based air defense systems can maintain a longer-term foothold in a designated area.

Historically, air defense has not been a priority in Sweden and Europe, but recent tensions have triggered a rearmament of capabilities. NATO has indicated that air defense is one of its primary focuses. Sten Arve optimistically states, “The future of air defense appears very promising.”