Units from the New York Air National Guard have visited Blekinge Air Wing to prepare for joint operations in the Baltic Sea area. The focus was on reconnaissance of locations for forward refuelling and logistics within the framework of the countries' partnership programme.
In mid-January, units from the New York Air National Guard and Oregon Air International Guard arrived in Sweden. Together with Blekinge Air Wing (F 17), reconnaissance was conducted at the bases in Ronneby, Hagshult, and Visby (southern Sweden), according to a press release from the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten). The visit is part of the ongoing cooperation within the State Partnership Program (SPP).
– We have identified actual survey sites and continued to build towards conducting joint activities. At the same time, we have strengthened the relationship between the 102nd Rescue Squadron and F 17 as a whole, says Emil, company commander of the airbase ranger company at F 17.
The work focused on identifying suitable zones for the deployment of materiel and personnel as well as landing sites. Particular emphasis was placed on establishing possibilities for FARP (Forward Air Refuelling Point). The concept involves the HC-130J transport aircraft refuelling fighter jets and helicopters on the ground, reducing the need to return to main bases for refuelling, according to the Swedish Armed Forces.
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Bloom from the New York Air National Guard states that the visit met expectations and opens up for exercises in Sweden in the summer. According to F 17, the long-term goal of the cooperation is a larger joint exercise in 2027. The New York National Guard has had a partnership with Sweden since 2024, which NDS has reported on.
Upon approval, these will be the first locations of their kind in Sweden that can be utilised by all branches of the US military.