This marks a new phase in Sweden’s participation in the alliance, having previously supported Air Policing operations from Swedish territory since joining NATO. The deployment reflects Sweden’s growing role within NATO and its commitment to collective defence efforts.
The Swedish Gripen fighters will be stationed alongside Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons, forming a joint detachment under the command of NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre. NATO’s Air Policing is a continuous peacetime mission aimed at preserving the integrity of Allied airspace.
“We have had very good and close cooperation with both the British and the Polish to ensure that all pieces fall into place to get us ready for our QRA mission,” said Lieutenant Colonel Anders Gustafsson of the Swedish Air Force. “Everything has gone very well so far, and we are looking forward to strengthen NATO’s air defence.”
Enhanced Air Policing, launched in 2014, is part of NATO’s broader reassurance measures following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. These measures aim to deter aggression and affirm the alliance’s defensive posture.
“This is a significant contribution from NATO’s newest member,” said Colonel Martin O’Donnell, spokesperson for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. “We welcome the additional strength Sweden brings to our air policing mission.”
Sweden’s presence in Poland underscores NATO’s continued focus on regional security, particularly on its eastern flank. The cooperation between Swedish, British, and Polish forces further reinforces Allied unity and operational readiness.
