The Swedish Armed Forces have confirmed that their Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) units were activated twice on Friday, deploying JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets in response to Russian military aircraft operating in the Baltic Sea region near Swedish airspace.
According to an official press statement, the incidents took place over both the southern and northern parts of the Baltic Sea. In parallel, allied NATO aircraft were also launched to maintain situational awareness and security in shared airspace.
The engagements involved two Russian military aircraft identified as Su-24 and Su-34 types.
“The Russian behaviour is serious and reflects a recurring pattern that threatens both our territorial integrity and security. Swedish and allied air forces responded rapidly, decisively and clearly by intercepting the Russian aircraft and safeguarding Swedish and allied territory,” said Vice Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum, Head of Operations at the Swedish Armed Forces Joint Operations Command.
Swedish Quick Reaction Alert units reacted immediately after detecting the Russian flights, with two pairs of Gripen fighters scrambled to intercept and visually identify the aircraft. The Armed Forces confirmed that Swedish airspace was not violated during either incident.
The Swedish Armed Forces also noted that, due to the deteriorated security situation in the region and increased pressure on allied airspace, Sweden has reinforced its military presence and adapted its readiness posture. Friday’s events, according to the statement, underline both Swedish and NATO capability to protect and secure allied airspace.