The exceptional Air Forces of Sweden and Finland already greatly enhance security and stability in Europe by cooperating closely with the Alliance in exercises and training events in the Baltic Sea Region and High North

"AIRCOM has long and close relationships with the Finnish and Swedish Air Forces through NATO's enhanced partnership program and we are eager to build upon this relationship in the coming months," said General Jeffrey L. Harrigian, Commander, Allied Air Command. "The exceptional Air Forces of Sweden and Finland already greatly enhance security and stability in Europe by cooperating closely with the Alliance in exercises and training events in the Baltic Sea Region and High North," General Harrigian added.

Finnish F-18 fighter jets being refuelled by a German A400M tanker aircraft during NATO aerial drills on June 2.
Archive photo courtesy Finnish Air Force. 

The Finnish and Swedish Air Chiefs during their visit at Allied Air Command; stops included the Situation Centre, the NATO Space Centre and the Ballistic Missile Defence Centre.
 Photo by Arnaud Chamberlin. 

Swedish JAS-39 fighter jets flying in a formation with French Mirage 2000-5 and Spanish F-18 fighters during NATO training events above the Baltic Sea. 
Archive photo courtesy French Air and Space Force.  

The Generals discussed Finland and Sweden's NATO applications and how the two air forces could work closer with NATO Air and Space Power, with particular focus on command and control issues. The potential integration of Finnish and Swedish airspace in NATO Air Policing arrangements was also discussed.

Finnish and Swedish Air Force commanders have attended NATO Air Chiefs' Symposiums and the Partner Air Chiefs' Conferences hosted by AIRCOM for many years, underscoring the deep professional relationship and thorough coordination with the Alliance. Both air forces have participated in NATO quick reaction alert exercises in the Baltic region for over a decade. On a weekly basis, Finnish and Swedish fighters fly defensive air drills with NATO fighters deployed in Baltic and enhanced Air Policing.