Yesterday, Swedish quick reaction alert was launched with two Jas 39 Gripen to visually identify two Russian bombers of the type Tu-22 Backfire. The bombers were escorted by two fighter aircraft Su-27 Flanker in international airspace over the Baltic Sea, writes the Swedish Armed Forces on their website.

The operation was conducted in cooperation with Finnish and NATO allied forces. The Finnish quick reaction alert with F-18 Hornet encountered the Russian aircraft in the Gulf of Finland and was subsequently relieved by Dutch F-35 from NATO's Air Policing. Swedish fighter aircraft took over the task east of Gotland.

– Our readiness is in place and does not waver over the holidays. In close cooperation with our allies, we are present, monitoring activities and acting where and when required, commented Air Force Chief Major General Jonas Wikman on X.