Sweden launched its own satellite to monitor military targets on Russian territory
Kyiv • UNN
Sweden launched its first military satellite to track targets in the Russian Federation. Over the next two years, ten more reconnaissance spacecraft will be placed into orbit.
Sweden has launched its first military satellite, which will be used for reconnaissance and surveillance of military targets, particularly on the territory of Russia. This was reported by SVT, according to UNN.
Details
The launch took place on Sunday from Vandenberg Space Force Base in the USA with the participation of SpaceX. The satellite is the first in a series of approximately ten spacecraft that Sweden plans to put into orbit over the coming years.
"We will have the ability to control and prioritize a reconnaissance sensor that is always operational and has the capability to conduct reconnaissance at great distances. This is a significant enhancement of capabilities,"
Expansion of Reconnaissance Capabilities
The new satellite will allow Sweden to independently obtain intelligence data, whereas previously the country relied on allies or commercial sources. According to Sundeman, this is due to growing intelligence needs amid changes in the security environment.
This involves monitoring military facilities, as well as early detection of threats, including troop movements.
Future Plans
It is expected that within two years, Sweden will have about ten of its own military satellites. Some of them will be equipped with cameras, others with radar systems.
The satellite will reach its operational orbit approximately one month after launch. Subsequently, control will be exercised from the Space Operations Center at the Air Force headquarters in Uppsala.