SwAF embarks on its first external NATO Air Policing mission

On 1 April 2025 a detachment of six Swedish Air Force (SwAF) Saab Gripen fighters embarked on the SwAF’s first NATO enhanced Air Policing mission from the territory of another ally since Sweden joined the alliance on 7 March 2024.

The Swedish Gripens, from the SwAF’s Norrbotten Wing, joined the Polish Air Force and a detachment of six Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons at Poland’s 22nd Air Base in Malbork for the mission.

Since joining NATO Sweden has been contributing to NATO Air Policing missions, but up until now only from Swedish territory.

Speaking during a ceremony at Malbork to mark the beginning of the mission, Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson stated, “For the first time ever Sweden is deploying combat aircraft abroad on the NATO enhanced air policing mission.

“This mission is a strong demonstration of cohesion and solidarity among allies and a powerful deterrent against Russian aggression. We are proud that it is our first ever policing mission … and we’re also proud to be doing it together with the United Kingdom.”

Lieutenant Colonel Anders Gustafsson, the SwAF’s detachment commander, stated, “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.”

Enhanced Air Policing is part of NATO’s Assurance Measures introduced in 2014 after Russia’s illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula.