Swedish Air Force to deploy Gripen fighters to NATO’s Arctic Sentry operation in High North

“As a NATO Ally, Sweden has a responsibility to contribute to the security of the entire territory of the Alliance. The Arctic region is becoming increasingly important from a strategic perspective. Our participation in Arctic Sentry demonstrates that we are a loyal and active Ally that takes responsibility for our common security. This reinforces deterrence, safeguards our shared interests and contributes to stability in a region that is critical to Europe and transatlantic cooperation,” Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said.

The government said security in the Arctic is a shared responsibility among NATO allies and noted that Sweden is one of the Alliance’s seven Arctic states. It added that Sweden welcomes an increased NATO presence in the region as a clear expression of the Alliance’s strength and unity.

“When Russia arms itself and cooperation between Russia and China intensifies, the Alliance needs to consolidate its presence and situational awareness in the Arctic region. We provide the know-how, capabilities and resources to strengthen deterrence and safeguard critical infrastructure. This is how we are taking responsibility for our security and for the cohesion of the Alliance,” Defence Minister Pål Jonson said.

Arctic Sentry will encompass activities such as Arctic Endurance led by Denmark and Cold Response led by Norway, during which parts of the concept for FLF Finland will also be exercised. Sweden will initially deploy its Gripen aircraft in the area around Iceland and Greenland, the ministry said.