Mons, Belgium - Marking one year since accession to NATO, the Swedish Armed Forces have announced their forthcoming contribution to NATO’s enhanced Air Surveillance and Quick Readiness Alert (QRA) activities.
This is an important step in our interoperability and another step for the Swedish Air Force to become fully integrated into NATO’s Air Defence
COL Jörgen Axelsson, SWE Air Force Chief of Operations
Operating under Allied Command Operations and Allied Air Command's Combined Air Operations Centre, up to eight Swedish JAS 39 Gripen aircraft from the Norrbotten Wing’s (F 21) Fighter Squadron will be deployed from April to June 2025 to Poland in support of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission.
Saab JAS 39 Gripen from 212 Stridsflygdivisionen soaring over Norrbotten, ensuring Sweden’s air space. Photo by SWE AirForce
“By contributing to NATO’s deterrence and defence, our Air Force enhances Swedish and NATO’s security. This is an important step in our interoperability and another step for the Swedish Air Force to become fully integrated into NATO’s Air Defence,” said Swedish Air Force Col. Jörgen Axelsson, Swedish Air Force chief of operations.
We welcome the additional strength Sweden brings to our air policing mission.
COL Martin O'Donnell, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe spokesperson
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 measures demonstrate the collective resolve of Allies and the defensive nature of NATO, aiming to deter Russia from aggression or the threat of aggression against NATO Allies. They are flexible and scalable in response to fluctuations in the security situation facing the Alliance.
Sweden joins Italy, France, the Netherlands and Spain in maintaining a continuous 24/7 Air Policing presence within the Supreme Allied Commander Europe's area of responsibility.
“This is a significant contribution from NATO’s newest member,” said U.S. Army Col. Martin O’Donnell, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe spokesperson. “We welcome the additional strength Sweden brings to our air policing mission.”