On 1 October, the Swedish Air Force will start a two-month NATO mission to protect the logistics hub in south-eastern Poland that is used for military and civilian support to Ukraine. The fighter aircraft come from Blekinge Wing (F 17).
The mission is part of NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU). According to the Swedish Armed Forces, the aircraft will also contribute to NATO's integrated air and missile defence (IAMD).
The jets will fly mainly from Sweden and operate in Polish airspace. A smaller forward base will be set up in Poland. The force will come under NATO's Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem, Germany.
– With fighter aircraft, Sweden contributes qualified capabilities to NATO's common air defence, said Air Force chief Jonas Wikman.
This is the Air Force's fourth NATO fighter mission and F 17's second. The wing protected the same hub in 2025. That year, Norrbotten Wing (F 21) also deployed Gripens to Poland for enhanced air policing, as previously reported by NDS.
– We have learned important lessons that have not only developed the Air Force's capabilities but also contribute to NATO's overall deterrence and defence, said Christoffer Gruv, commander of Blekinge Wing.