Latest news with #JASGripen
Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
NATO Scrambles Fighter Jets To Intercept Russian Bombers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Sweden scrambled military aircraft in response to Russian fighter jets spotted over the southern parts of the Baltic Sea. Swedish Armed forces spokesperson Mikael Ågren said two JAS Gripen planes were deployed over Skåne and Malmö in response to the Russian aircraft which did not violate the airspace of NATO's newest member. The incident follows a series of Russian aircraft spotted flying in the region during NATO military exercises over the last two weeks and a warning by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul of further operations by Moscow to destabilize the region. Newsweek has contacted the Russian defense ministry and the Swedish Armed Forces for comment. This image from on April 8, 2025 a Swedish Air Force Saab JAS 39 Gripen jet fighter lands during the NATO's Ramstein Flag 2025 exercise at Leeuwarden Air Base. This image from on April 8, 2025 a Swedish Air Force Saab JAS 39 Gripen jet fighter lands during the NATO's Ramstein Flag 2025 exercise at Leeuwarden Air Base. JOHN THYS//Getty Images Why It Matters With Sweden's accession to the alliance, the Baltic Sea is dubbed a NATO Lake where members of the bloc surrounding the waters have reported a spike in Russian military activity. Sweden's deployment of aircraft is the latest sign of tensions in the Baltic region. What To Know Ågren said that Sweden's military deployed two JAS Gripen planes over Skåne and Malmö at 6:15 p.m. on Friday. He said the operation was not part of a scheduled exercise and during a regular patrol by Swedish forces near the borders, Russian Sukhoi Su-30 planes were detected in international airspace. Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet said it had received calls from readers who had seen three Swedish fighter planes over the Stockholm region. Ågren said that there had been increased activity in the region and sightings of military aircraft over the Baltic Sea have become more frequent in recent weeks. But he said people should not be concerned is they hear Swedish planes in the sky because "it's the sound of freedom you hear." The incident comes as NATO's Baltops-25 exercises were coming to an end in the Baltic region which involved over 40 ships, 25 aircraft and approximately 9,000 personnel. During this period, there was a spike in Russian military flights operating close to NATO airspace and U.K. Royal Air Force Typhoon jets based in Poland were scrambled six times in as many days in response. Meanwhile, video posted on social media showed a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 fighter jet releasing flares over a U.S. Navy ship in international waters in the region. What People Are Saying Swedish Armed forces spokesperson Mikael Ågren: "It's a signal to show that we've seen them and that we're on our toes, even on Midsummer's we do, we do for the sake of freedom. "We need to keep track of which aircraft are in our vicinity, and then we need to go up and identify them sometimes. Today we did that and even got pictures of them." German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul: "These hybrid operations and military provocations are dangerous. They are designed to destabilize our societies and to test our ability to respond." What Happens Next Wadephul warned on Friday that the Baltic Sea region is becoming a dangerous hotspot where Russia's aggressive hybrid activities "are undermining our peace and security". In anticipation of further Russian operations in the region, NATO announced in January the launch of Baltic Sentry to bolster the alliance's military presence in the Baltic Sea.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Swedish government proposes to contribute fighter jets to NATO in Poland
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -NATO's newest member Sweden plans to contribute up to eight Jas Gripen fighter jets to the defence alliance's air policing in Poland, Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said on Thursday. Stenergard said a day before the one-year anniversary of Sweden's accession that its government proposes to participate in NATO air policing, and the protection of logistics operations for support to Ukraine, in Poland. "We propose that Sweden contribute a maximum of eight JAS Gripen with associated personnel, including combat command and support units," she told a press conference. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. "In addition, the government proposes that Sweden contribute air and maritime surveillance capabilities and airborne transport capabilities," she added. It would be the first time Sweden contributes fighter jets to NATO operations stationed in a country other than Sweden. Sweden joined NATO on March 7, 2024 as a result of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
