Fighter jets safeguarding NATO's eastern borders have been deployed for the fourth time in the past ten days to intercept Russian aircraft operating near alliance airspace. On Thursday, two Swedish Gripens, based at Malbork Air Base in Poland, intercepted a Russian IL-20 spy plane, identified by NATO as Coot-A.
According to Swedish air force spokeswoman Therese Akerstedt, the Russian plane was in proximity to Polish airspace. The Swedish jets were scrambled to assert their presence, visually identify the aircraft, and guide it away from the area. This was Sweden's inaugural scramble under NATO's enhanced air policing mission along its eastern borders, following its accession to the alliance last year.
This incident follows the UK's confirmation that Royal Air Force Typhoon jets in Poland were scrambled on three separate occasions within a three-day period to intercept Russian warplanes. These included two scrambles on April 15th, intercepting a Coot-A and subsequently two SU-30SM2 fighter jets, known as Flanker-H by NATO. The RAF aircraft are stationed at Malbork Air Base, sharing the location with the Swedish Gripens.
7 Comments
Cerebro
It's a necessary measure to deter any potential threat and ensure security.
Fuerza
Excellent response by the Swedish and British air forces. Keeping them in check.
Manolo Noriega
This is exactly what we need to keep the peace. A strong response deters further action.
Fuerza
Good. Maintain that vigilance and protect our airspace. No tolerance for Russian aggression.
Manolo Noriega
These intercepts are crucial for preventing any escalation. Keeping the skies safe.
Raphael
Russia needs to understand that it doesn't have a free pass to operate near our borders.
Michelangelo
Glad to see Sweden is fully integrated and doing its part to protect the Alliance.