Unique operation: Sweden and Finland intercept Russian aircraft
For the first time, Swedish and Finnish aircraft have been scrambled together to intercept and identify Russian military aircraft in international airspace over the Gulf of Finland.
"There were several Russian planes, and it is not something we see every day," says Niclas Magnusson, Deputy Air Force Chief at the Swedish Armed Forces.
The operation was led by Finland, and during the mission, three different types of Russian aircraft were identified: a transport plane and two fighter jets—specifically MiG-31s and Su-27s.
According to the Swedish Armed Forces, the Russian planes were in international airspace, but as their destination was unknown, the decision was made to intercept them.
"This is the first time we have conducted an operation like this together; it is a way for us to demonstrate our cooperation and show that we are capable of carrying this out jointly," says Niclas Magnusson.
Deepened cooperation
Two Swedish and two Finnish aircraft participated in the operation, which was part of the Swedish-Finnish cooperation on surveillance and the safeguarding of territorial integrity.
"We have been training with Finland for a long time. Now, we also have the political mandate to carry out this type of operation in a real-world scenario," says Magnusson.
Kristersson: We are stronger together
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) has also commented on the operation, describing it as a reflection of the strength of Nordic cooperation.
"In a tense security situation, we are stronger together. The Baltic Sea has never been as exposed as it is now—but neither has it ever been better protected than at this very moment," he writes on X.
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar