Russian Su-24 violates airspace with Sweden

On Friday, 14 June, a Russian Su-24 military aircraft flew into Swedish territory east of the southern tip of the island of Gotland.

Here's What We Know

The case of airspace violation was the first since Sweden joined NATO. The Swedish army also published a photo of the Russian aircraft.

The crew of the Su-24 verbally warned the Swedish Air Combat Command. However, the Russians ignored the warning and continued to fly in Swedish skies. The country immediately raised its JAS-39 Gripen fighters to intercept the intruder. Escorted by Swedish fighters, the Su-24 was forced to leave the airspace.

"Russia's actions are unacceptable and demonstrate a lack of respect for our territorial integrity. We have been following the whole process and were there to intervene," said Swedish Air Force Chief Jonas Wikman.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell from the available image what kind of Su-24 it is, as it can be a bomber - Su-24M - or a reconnaissance aircraft - Su-24MR.

Source: Swedish Armed Forces