Sweden will deploy Saab Gripen fighter jets for the first time to provide air defence for Poland, as part of an agreement between NATO members.
Eight fighter jets will be sent to the European country, which is also the logistical base for operations supporting Ukraine.
“We propose that Sweden contribute a maximum of eight JAS Gripen with associated personnel, including combat command and support units,” Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard said on Thursday.
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Sweden joined NATO exactly one year ago after an acceptance process prompted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
A nation that for many decades was neutral, Sweden has changed its strategic understanding due to Putin’s government threats to Europe, which was also followed by Finland.
The Swedish Gripen fighter jets that will carry out air patrols are based at Lulea Air Base (F21 Wing) and will fly in Poland between April and June.
The Swedish Air Force has 94 operational Gripen C/D fighters and an order for 60 Gripen E variant aircraft.
Poland, on the other hand, has a depleted fighter fleet, with 48 F-16 C/D jets and obsolete MiG-29 and Su-22 fighters.
South Korea recently transferred FA-50 light fighters to the European country, but the air force is waiting for the arrival of the F-35A fighters, of which it has an order for 32 aircraft.
The first aircraft are being used in the United States to train Polish pilots who are due to graduate in the spring. The arrival of the 5th generation jet in Europe is scheduled for 2026.
