Sweden to send Gripen jets to help patrol Polish airspace

Sweden said on Thursday it would be sending up to eight Gripen fighter jets to take part in a NATO mission to police Poland's airspace.  Sweden foreign Minister said the aircraft would be part of an operation responsible for protecting the logistics node. Poland's Defence Minister thanked Sweden on X for the decision "which demonstrates solidarity and unity in the face of threats to security."

"This is the first time that Swedish fighter jets will take part in air policing operations from an ally's territory," Sweden defence Minister said, adding that the air force mission would involve six to eight Gripen aircraft and about 110 personnel. Sweden ended two centuries of military non-alignment and became NATO's newest member in March 2024.