Swedish Gripen fighter jets have been flying a two-month mission over Poland since 1 October, covering the same hub. Sweden has previously contributed to several NATO operations to strengthen the alliance’s eastern flank and protect materiel sent in support of Ukraine.
Patriot to join Gripen contribution
“For the second time, Sweden is participating with Gripen fighter jets in support of NATO’s operation to protect NATO’s logistics hub in Poland,” Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said. “Sweden will also, starting December, provide the Patriot air defence system.”
Kristersson said the aim was to protect the hub and so make sure important materiel reaches Ukraine. “This strengthens the security of NATO, Europe and Sweden,” he said.
Ministers point to Russian pressure
“In light of Russia’s recent attempts to undermine our support to Ukraine, I cannot overstate the importance of the Swedish contribution,” said Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard. She added: “This is simultaneously also part of our collective contribution to NATO’s deterrence and defence.”
Defence Minister Pål Jonson described the security situation as serious, citing repeated violations of allies’ airspace and Russian attempts to affect support to Ukraine. “Sweden is doing its part to support Ukraine and help protect NATO’s eastern flank,” he said.
Gripens flying from Sweden
The Gripen mission, announced at the start of October, involves defending Polish airspace and protecting the logistics hub, which supports Ukraine under the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) initiative. The jets are also taking part in NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence.
The aircraft belong to the Blekinge Wing (F 17) and remain based mainly in Sweden, flying into Polish airspace for their sorties. The announcement also provided for a forward base in Poland where the fighters could land and refuel if needed.
During the mission, the Gripens answer to NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem, Germany. It is the fourth mission flown by Swedish military aviation under NATO since the country joined the alliance.
