Media: Sweden sends Gripen fighter jets to patrol Polish airspace in historic NATO mission

The Swedish government has announced the deployment of Gripen fighter jets to help patrol Polish airspace as part of NATO operations.

The mission, which will involve six to eight Gripen jets, along with pilots and service personnel, will see Swedish forces stationed in Poland during April and May, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

"This is the first time Swedish fighter jets participate in air policing from another ally's territory," stated Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson. This marks a significant milestone for Sweden as it is the country's first participation in NATO exercises since it joined the alliance in 2024.

"The aim is to deter or, in the worst case, defend against an attack if the alliance is subjected to an armed assault," Jonson explained. The jets will be deployed from the F21 flotilla based in Luleå, with a total of 110 personnel, excluding pilots, expected to relocate for the operation. In addition to the spring deployment, the Swedish government has proposed sending up to eight Gripen jets to Poland again during the summer, from June to August, to support NATO’s NSATU operations in Poland, which oversee the logistics of weapons deliveries to Ukraine.

A proposal for this extension will be submitted to the Swedish parliament on March 6. Swedish Parliament has already approved the "air policing" exercise. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard emphasised the importance of the operation, saying, "This protection is central to ensuring military and civil support to Ukraine. By participating in this operation, we will contribute to the delivery of aid to Ukraine."

The Swedish government stressed that the exercise is not in response to any new threats or fears regarding potential US military support withdrawal. "It's a rotating task shared among different countries, and we've been asked to cover a specific period," Malmer Stenergard noted.

Defence Minister Jonson reassured the public that Sweden’s national defence will not be weakened by the deployment. "We've checked this with the Armed Forces, and they have a positive view of this exercise," he said. "It contributes to Swedish security and strengthens the interoperability of the Swedish Air Force."

The Gripen is a family of multi-role fighter aircraft developed by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. Known for its advanced technology and versatility, the Gripen is designed to perform a variety of roles, including air defence, reconnaissance, and ground attack. First introduced in the late 1990s, the Gripen is renowned for its agility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to operate from short, austere airstrips. It is equipped with advanced avionics, radar, and weapon systems, making it a formidable asset for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. The Gripen is used by several countries around the world and is known for its interoperability with NATO forces. It has undergone continuous upgrades, ensuring its relevance in modern air operations.

By Naila Huseynova