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Sweden to deploy Gripen fighter jets for NATO air policing over Poland

06.03.2025 15:00
Sweden has announced plans to deploy JAS Gripen fighter jets to assist in NATO air policing over Poland, marking the first time Swedish jets will operate from the territory of an alliance partner, officials said Thursday.
JAS-39C Gripen.
JAS-39C Gripen.CTK Photo/Lubos Pavlicek

Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson confirmed that the mission will focus on "protecting NATO’s logistical support for Ukraine and conducting aerial surveillance over Poland." "We stand ready to protect our allies and friends," he said on X.

Strengthening NATO’s eastern defenses

Sweden's decision comes as part of broader NATO efforts to bolster security along its eastern flank amid concerns over Russian aggression. The deployment is seen as a demonstration of Sweden’s commitment to collective defense, following its recent accession to NATO.

Polish troops to patrol Baltic airspace

Simultaneously, Polish forces will take part in the Baltic Air Policing mission, patrolling the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—three NATO members that lack their own combat air forces. The Polish deployment will run from mid-March to mid-July.

(jh)

Source: IAR, Polskie Radio 24, Reuters