Sweden, NATO’s newest member, is solidifying its role within the Alliance through a critical contribution to air policing operations in Poland.
The Swedish Air Force is set to deploy up to eight JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets for a three-month mission from April to June 2025, marking the first time Swedish combat aircraft will operate outside of its national borders. The Alliance views the deployment as a landmark moment for the nation as it more deeply integrates into NATO’s collective defense framework.
Sweden’s mission coincides with the one-year anniversary of its NATO membership, which officially commenced in March 2024. The nation’s accession represented a pivotal shift in its long-standing policy of military nonalignment, driven by security concerns after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since joining the Alliance, Sweden has made significant strides in transitioning to an active contributor to operations, signaling its readiness to shoulder the responsibilities of NATO membership.
Sweden’s path to NATO membership was not without challenges. Its accession required a recalibration of its defense policies and a robust commitment to meeting the Alliance’s standards.
NATO’s air policing mission, designed to protect Allied airspace and deter potential threats, has been a cornerstone of the Alliance’s defense posture, particularly along its eastern flank. With advanced capabilities and versatility, the Gripen fighters enhance NATO’s operational readiness and deterrence efforts amid regional geopolitical tensions.
“This is an important step in our interoperability and another step for the Swedish Air Force to become fully integrated into NATO’s air defense,” said Col. Jörgen Axelsson, Swedish Air Force chief of operations.
“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.”
Sweden’s contributions extend beyond the skies. During the past year, the nation has deployed troops to Latvia and provided naval support in the Baltic Sea.
Additionally, during recent Bomber Task Force operations, Sweden’s Gripens flew alongside two U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses.
“We are the newest member in the Alliance, but we have a long history of cooperation with the United States Air Force. They are a key Partner, and missions like this are an excellent opportunity to train together and strengthen our Alliance. It is a privilege to fly together,” said Swedish Air Force Lt. Col. Mikael Månsson, mission planner at the Swedish Air Staff.
“Sweden’s partnership has been crucial to the success of our Bomber Task Force operations,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kendall Smith, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Bomber Task Force chief. “Access to their airspace, logistical support and seamless integration with U.S. bomber aircraft have made joint missions more efficient and effective.”