The incidents involved two Russian combat aircraft, identified as Su-24 and Su-34. Allied fighter aircraft also took off during the incidents to maintain security in the shared airspace.
Swedish incident readiness forces acted quickly after detecting the Russian flights. Two pairs of JAS 39 Gripen aircraft were scrambled to assert Sweden’s own territory and to meet and identify the Russian combat aircraft.
Swedish airspace was not violated in connection with the incidents. The Swedish Armed Forces said the response demonstrated both Sweden’s and NATO’s ability to secure their own airspace.
“The Russian behaviour is serious and is a recurring pattern that threatens both our territorial integrity and security. Swedish and allied combat aircraft acted swiftly, resolutely and clearly by meeting the Russian aircraft and securing the territory of Sweden and the Alliance,” said Vice Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum, Head of the Swedish Armed Forces’ Joint Operations Command.
The Swedish Armed Forces said they have strengthened their presence and adjusted readiness because of the situation in the surrounding region. They said this follows an increased threat to allied airspace
