Swedish Gripen intercepts Russian reconnaissance aircraft approaching NATO border for the first time

For the first time since the start of patrolling NATO airspace, Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters stationed in Poland intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft near the Alliance's borders.

Here's What We Know

According to NATO's Air Command, the incident took place in international airspace over the Baltic Sea, north of the Polish coast. Two Gripen fighter jets based at the Malbork airbase took off to visually identify a Russian Il-20M aircraft conducting reconnaissance near NATO's borders.

This is the first time that Swedish military aircraft have taken off in combat as part of the Enhanced Air Policing mission since Sweden joined NATO. The Alliance noted the "seamless integration" of Swedish pilots, who are now on duty alongside British pilots.

The exercise was coordinated by NATO's Joint Air Operations Centre in Ouedem, Germany.

To recap, the Enhanced Air Policing mission was launched after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 to strengthen the defence of NATO's eastern flank. This is the first time that Swedish Gripen have participated in this mission since the country joined the Alliance. In addition to the pilots, technicians who maintain the aircraft on the ground have also been deployed to Poland.

In short, over the past week, British Typhoons, which also patrol the region as part of the Baltic Air Policing mission, have intercepted Russian aircraft approaching NATO airspace three times.

Source: NATO Air Command