Jas Gripen on site in Poland

Together with the Royal Air Force, Norrbotten division F21 is now beginning its mission to enhance NATO’s airspace surveillance in the alliance’s northern area. A division with six Jas Gripen aircraft and ground personnel is stationed at the Malbork Air Base in northern Poland. This is the first time Swedish fighter jets are stationed abroad to participate in NATO’s enhanced readiness.

Since Sweden joined NATO a year ago, Sweden has contributed to NATO Air Policing missions from Swedish territory. Now, a fighter squadron with six Jas 39 Gripen aircraft from Norrbotten division F21 will patrol and defend the alliance’s airspace from a base in Malbork, Poland. In addition to fighter pilots, around 110 ground personnel are involved, mainly from Norrbotten, but the division is also reinforced with personnel from other Air Force units of the Swedish Armed Forces. The mission will last from April to June.

“This is a significant contribution from NATO’s newest member,” says U.S. Army Colonel Martin O’Donnell, spokesperson for NATO in Europe. “We welcome the additional strength Sweden brings to our Air Policing mission.”

In addition to Sweden’s fighter division, a division from the Royal Air Force will also perform flying missions from Poland. The British division consists of Eurofighter Typhoons from the British Air Base in Lossiemouth, Scotland.

It is worth noting that the aircraft and pilots tasked with flying missions are constantly ready to take off within 15 minutes after receiving an order to participate in a specific flight operation.

“We are well-prepared to take the next step in further strengthening NATO’s air defense in terms of deterrence and creating security in NATO’s airspace, together with our British colleagues,” says Lieutenant Colonel Anders Gustafsson, who has been appointed as the head of the Swedish unit in Poland.

“Given the situation in the world, I believe everyone at F21 has reflected on this and wants to contribute,” Gustafsson says. He points out that F21 still has aircraft and personnel in Luleå to handle regular tasks.

Enhanced Air Policing is part of NATO’s measures introduced in 2014, following Russia’s occupation of the Crimean Peninsula.

“By contributing to NATO’s deterrence and defense, the Swedish Air Force strengthens the security of Sweden and NATO. The Swedish Air Force is increasing its interoperability to become fully integrated into NATO’s air defense,” says Major General Jonas Wikman.

The NATO mission is about responding to unusual air activity in the operational area. This can involve identifying, intercepting, and escorting aircraft that do not respond to calls or that are moving toward the alliance’s territory.