Two JAS 39 Gripen Pairs Intercepted Russian Combat Aircraft over the Baltic Sea
The Swedish quick reaction alert conducted two sorties with JAS 39 Gripen against Russian combat aircraft over the Baltic Sea on 13 June 2026.
The Swedish quick reaction alert conducted two sorties with JAS 39 Gripen against Russian combat aircraft over the Baltic Sea on 13 June 2026.
JAS 39 Gripen
Photo: Ole Andreas Vekve / Forsvaret
On 13 June 2026, the Swedish Armed Forces' incident readiness force conducted two scrambles with JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft to intercept Russian combat aircraft in the Baltic Sea near Swedish airspace.
The Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) report that the incidents occurred in the southern and northern parts of the Baltic Sea. Two pairs of JAS 39 Gripen aircraft were scrambled to assert territorial integrity and to intercept and identify the Russian combat aircraft. Swedish airspace was not violated in connection with the incidents.
The Russian aircraft were of the types Su-24 and Su-34. Allied combat aircraft also scrambled during the incidents to maintain security in the shared airspace.
"The Russian behaviour is serious and represents a recurring pattern that threatens both our territorial integrity and security. Swedish and allied combat aircraft acted swiftly, resolutely and clearly by intercepting the Russian aircraft and securing the territory of Sweden and the Alliance," said Vice Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum, Head of the Swedish Armed Forces' Joint Operations Command.
The Swedish Armed Forces state that, in light of an increased threat to allied airspace in the surrounding region, they have reinforced their presence and adjusted their readiness posture.
Written by
The Editorial Team
Get the latest Nordic defence news delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Your email is safe with us. Unsubscribe anytime.
Want to save articles and personalize your experience?
Create a free account →