Ramstein, Germany – Yesterday Six Jas 39 Gripen from Norrbotten Wing of the Swedish Air Force, landed at Malbork Air base, Poland, as they prepare to take on NATO’s enhanced Air Policing Mission for the first time since their accession.
Since joining NATO, Sweden has been contributing to NATO Air Policing missions from Swedish territory; now for the first time, Sweden has deployed their combat aircraft to Malbork, Poland, highlighting their steadfast commitment to NATO.
Operating under the NATO Allied Air Command, Combined Air Operations Centre, six Swedish JAS 39 Gripen aircraft from the Norrbotten Wing Fighter Squadron will be deployed from April alongside a detachment of Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon.
We are well prepared to take the next step to further strengthen NATO’s air defence
“We are well prepared to take the next step to further strengthen NATO’s air defence in terms of deterrence and to create security in NATO airspace together with our British colleagues” said Lieutenant Colonel Anders Gustafsson, Swedish Air Force Detachment Commander.
Six Swedish Gripen combat aircraft landed at Malbork Air base, Poland, ahead of NATO's enhanced Air Policing mission. Photo by Jesper Sundström, Swedish Air Force
For the first time, Sweden deploys their combat aircraft to another Ally's Air Base, highlighting steadfast commitment to NATO. Photo by Jesper Sundström, Swedish Air Force
Gripen aircraft from the Norrbotten Wing Fighter Squadron will be deployed alongside the Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon. Photo by Jesper Sundström, Swedish Air Force
NATO Air Policing is a peacetime collective defence mission, which is at the very heart of NATO’s founding treaty. “We have had very good and close cooperation with both the British and the Polish to ensure that all pieces fall into place to get us ready for our QRA mission. Everything has gone very well so far, and we are looking forward to strengthen NATO's air defence” added Lieutenant Colonel Anders Gustafsson.
Enhanced Air Policing is part of NATO’s assurance measures introduced in 2014, after Russia’s illegal and illegitimate annexation of the Crimean peninsula. These assurance measures with the goal to demonstrate the collective resolve of Allies, demonstrate the defensive nature of NATO and deter Russia from aggression or the threat of aggression against NATO Allies.
“This is a significant contribution from NATO’s newest member,” said United States Army Colonel Martin O’Donnell, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe spokesperson. “We welcome the additional strength Sweden brings to our air policing mission.”