Sweden to patrol NATO airspace beyond its borders for the first time
Photo: Sweden will patrol NATO airspace beyond its borders (x.com/PlJonson)
For the first time since joining the Alliance, Swedish fighter jets are starting to patrol NATO airspace from Polish territory, according to Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson.
"Sweden is deploying combat aircraft abroad on a NATO enhanced Air Policing mission. Now Sweden contributes outside of Sweden in the land, sea and air domain," said the minister, who visited Malbork, Poland, near Gdańsk for the occasion.
According to him, this mission demonstrates the cohesion and solidarity of the Allies and serves as a strong deterrent against any threats from Russia.
"We are proud that our first mission is based in Poland, and alongside the United Kingdom," Jonson added.
Sweden’s accession to NATO
Sweden officially became a NATO member on March 7, 2024, marking the end of its long journey to join the Alliance. This decision was historic, as the country had maintained a policy of neutrality for over 200 years. However, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 drastically changed the security landscape in Europe.
Along with Finland, Sweden applied for NATO membership in May 2022. After a lengthy ratification process by all member states, it was granted official ally status.
Joining NATO provides Sweden with collective security guarantees under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty and opens new opportunities to strengthen its defense capabilities. In 2025, the Swedish Air Force will begin air patrol missions beyond its own territory as part of NATO operations.
Additionally, Sweden will integrate its military into joint NATO exercises and expand defense cooperation with other member states.
