Russian bombers flew close to Swedish border

 

Gotland
Swedish Defence Forces mark Russian bombers off Gotland: "Have iron eyes"
 

Nelly Kronstrand

Updated 16.48 | Published 15.55

The Russian flights were escorted by two Swedish fighter jets. Photo: Swedish Defence Forces

At lunchtime, Russian bombers flew close to the Swedish border east of Gotland.

Two Jas planes then went up to mark.

- We went up to show that we exist and that they will not get anything, says Dennis Hedström, Chief of the Air Staff.

Russian aircraft fly weekly over the Baltic Sea.

However, the Swedish Defence Forces do not always choose to fly up into the air to mark their presence. But on Tuesday, the Defence Forces decided to meet the Russian Tu-22 Backfire bombers.

– We have a close eye on when and how they choose to fly. We noticed today that they started to approach us, which prompted us to act, says Dennis Hedström.

Su-27 Flanker over the Baltic Sea on Tuesday. Photo: Swedish Armed Forces

Initially, Finnish and Dutch aircraft helped in the operation.

– We have had a long cooperation with our Finnish comrades and now that we are part of NATO, other parts of NATO's normal operations also helped.

Only when the Russian aircraft approached east of Gotland did the Swedish Armed Forces choose to send up two Jas planes.

Photo: Swedish Armed Forces

The Russian bombers were in international airspace the entire time.

– They make weekly trips over the Baltic Sea, which they are allowed to do. We have an eye on our air arena 24/7 and are constantly making assessments about whether we should go up to mark or not.
 

What made you go up this time?

– I can't go into that. But this is business as usual, says Dennis Hedström.