The identification took place in international airspace over the Baltic Sea, north of the Polish coast. The operation was led by NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem, Germany.
The Swedish flight, based in Poland, also cooperated with Sweden’s national quick reaction alert forces during the mission. The deployment is part of broader NATO efforts to strengthen airspace security in the region.
A Swedish fighter division from the Norrbotten Air Wing has been based for several weeks at Malbork Air Base in Poland, alongside the Royal Air Force’s 140 Expeditionary Air Wing. This deployment marks the first time a Swedish fighter division is stationed abroad to conduct air surveillance operations under NATO command.
“We were in the right place at the right time to accomplish the task,” said Anders Gustafsson, Commander of the Swedish contingent in Poland. “We are demonstrating that Sweden is a contributor that further strengthens NATO’s air defence and helps protect Polish airspace together with other allies.”
“Now, for the first time, we have completed an operational mission from a base abroad under NATO command, which is another milestone in the history of the Swedish Air Force,” Gustafsson added.
