In a recent opinion piece in Dagens Nyheter, Torgny Ranhage voices a critical perspective on the Swedish Navy's plans to purchase four large frigates at a staggering cost of 40–60 billion Swedish kronor. The author questions the prudence of such an investment, suggesting that the military utility of these vessels is dubious, especially considering the changing landscape of modern warfare. Ranhage draws attention to the successful use of cheap maritime drones and domestically produced rockets by Ukraine, which have effectively driven away the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

Ranhage further argues that instead of committing vast amounts of taxpayer money to large, traditional naval ships, Sweden could benefit significantly from investing in smaller, more cost-effective technologies. He emphasizes that the operational effectiveness demonstrated by Ukraine's use of drones should serve as a valuable lesson for Swedish military planners. The letter advocates for a reevaluation of military expenditures in light of contemporary warfare dynamics, asserting that the flexibility and lower cost of drones make them a more viable option.

Ultimately, the article calls on policymakers to consider not only the financial implications but also the strategic advantages of modern military equipment choices. Ranhage's assertions highlight a broader debate about military strategy in the context of recent geopolitical events, emphasizing the need for innovation and adaptation within defense spending priorities.