Sweden has made history by deploying its Jas 39 Gripen fighter jets on a NATO air defense mission for the first time since joining the alliance in March 2024. Six Swedish Gripen aircraft landed at Malbork Air Base in Poland on Wednesday to participate in NATO's enhanced Air Policing mission.
The deployment marks a major shift for Sweden, which previously only conducted air policing over its own territory as a NATO partner nation. The country joined NATO alongside Finland in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, ending decades of military neutrality.
The Gripen jets, manufactured by Swedish aerospace company Saab AB, were specifically designed to counter Russian military capabilities. In 2019, Sweden's then-air force commander noted that the aircraft was "designed to kill Sukhois" - referring to Russian fighter jets.
What makes the Gripen particularly effective is its ability to operate from civilian roads rather than requiring dedicated military runways that could be targeted in conflict. The aircraft also needs less maintenance compared to other NATO fighters like the F-16.
The jets will patrol Polish airspace alongside British Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons as part of NATO's enhanced Air Policing mission, which began in 2014 following Russia's annexation of Crimea. The mission aims to demonstrate NATO's collective defense capabilities and deter potential Russian aggression.
Both Poland and Sweden have emerged as key NATO allies in supporting Ukraine while warning about potential Russian threats to Europe. Poland currently leads NATO members in defense spending as a percentage of GDP, while Sweden exceeds the alliance's 2% GDP guideline for military expenditure.
While the Swedish Gripens have not seen actual combat, their deployment represents growing European military preparedness amid concerns about Russian aggression. The mission also showcases increased defense cooperation between NATO's newest member and its eastern allies.