NATO's New Ally Deploys War-Ready Gripens to Patrol Alliance Borders for First Time

• For the first time, Sweden is sending its Gripen fighter jets to participate in a NATO air defense mission.
• The jets were created with the intention of combating Russia and will now be deployed over Polish airspace.
• Sweden became part of NATO as a reaction to Russian aggression, particularly due to the invasion of Ukraine.

The most recent addition to NATO has sent out a combat aircraft specifically meant for confronting Russia to safeguard the alliance’s frontiers for the very first time.

Sweden's military stated that six of its Jas 39 Gripen fighter jets arrived at an airbase in Malbork, Poland, on Wednesday to participate in a NATO airborne monitoring operation.

NATO stated that this marks the first occasion where Sweden’s fighter jets have taken part in the organization's "enhanced Air Policing mission" while operating from within another member nation's territory. since it became part of the group in March 2024 It had previously been involved solely in NATO air policing missions within its own airspace, acting merely as a partner country.

Sweden, along with its neighbor Finland, broke with decades of neutrality to join NATO , citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine as their reason for pursuing membership. This was an unforeseen outcome of actions taken by Russian President Vladimir Putin's brutal war , with one justification being the desire to restrict the growth of the NATO alliance.

These countries developed their military forces considering the potential threat from Russia , and the Gripen was an example of such a project.

The jets, made by Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab AB, were specifically built to counter Russia. The then-commander of Sweden's air force, Mats Helgesson, said in 2019 that the Gripen was "created to defeat Sukhois," a kind of Russian aircraft.

The Gripen fighter jets can operate from civilian roads instead of costly runways at designated airbases, which could be potential targets. Russia possesses these capabilities as well. aimed at that type of infrastructure During the conflict, this aircraft demands fewer maintenance efforts compared to several others, such as the extensively utilized U.S.-made F-16s found in numerous NATO stockpiles.

Michael Bohnert, a warfare analyst at the RAND Corporation, stated that the adaptability of the Gripen makes it particularly advantageous "for a nation situated adjacent to an adversary." Given its proximity to Ukraine, Poland views itself as a key frontline member of NATO.

Military specialists highlight these factors when referring to the Gripen. the finest option among fourth-generation fighters from NATO countries suitable for Ukraine Sweden has made no such pledges, despite having explored the idea .

Pål Jonson, Sweden’s defense minister, stated to Business Insider earlier this month that he was engaged in discussions with Ukraine and other nations within the Air Force Coalition, an alliance of partners dedicated to supporting Ukraine.

He mentioned that it’s “even more difficult for Ukrainians to integrate additional fighters.” Since Ukraine has already obtained U.S.-made F-16s and French Mirages, the defense minister stated that Sweden was counseled to concentrate on delivering aerial sensor systems capable of offering command and control assistance.

Even with all the accolades received by these jets, Sweden’s Gripens continue to be noteworthy. haven't come across this kind of battle before that they would in Ukraine. Nor have they experienced what they would face in a Russian war against the NATO alliance.

Europe prepares for increased Russian hostility.

However, Europe is getting ready for this situation. Observing the invasion, many European nations, especially those near Russia such as Poland and Sweden, are gearing up for a possible confrontation with Russia.

Many NATO allies are increasing defense spending and manufacturing, forging defense agreements between countries , and conducting bigger NATO drills.

Poland and Sweden stand as two of Ukraine's most significant international allies and are among the nations raising the strongest concerns that Russia might launch an assault in other parts of Europe.

Sweden provided residents with a pamphlet that instructed them on how to get ready for battle , with its defense minister warning last year that despite Russia's forces being "occupied in Ukraine," the country still "remains a threat to Sweden, just as it is to the rest of NATO." The official also stated that Sweden "must not dismiss the possibility of an attack from Russia on our nation."

Poland has issued numerous warnings as well, with its foreign minister being one of them saying he would not be surprised if Russia attacked his country.

Both nations rank as significant contributors within NATO when it comes to defense spending. Poland leads all members by dedicating the largest percentage of its gross domestic product (GDP) to defense, surpassing even the U.S., whereas Sweden consistently meets and exceeds NATO’s recommended threshold of allocating at least 2% of GDP for defense expenditures.

NATO stated that Sweden’s Gripens will be stationed in Poland starting from April alongside some of the UK Royal Air Force's Eurofighters.

The NATO characterizes its "enhanced Air Policing mission" as a peacetime operation launched in 2014 following Russia’s unlawful seizure of Crimea from Ukraine.

The alliance said its air power efforts since 2014 are designed "to demonstrate the collective resolve of Allies, demonstrate the defensive nature of NATO and deter Russia from aggression or the threat of aggression against NATO Allies."

As the Trump administration destabilized longstanding alliances, some partners have queried intentions to purchase F-35s There’s a possibility that an aircraft similar to the Gripen or Eurofighter Typhoon might become significantly more crucial.

European defense firms see potential, yet this poses a challenge for European nations since these aircraft models are scarce and their manufacturing remains relatively slow for the time being.

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