Swedish Aircraft Intercept Unidentified Russian Planes over Baltic Sea
As Sweden’s flag was being raised outside NATO Headquarters on Monday to mark its accession as the Alliance’s 32nd member, its aircraft were being scrambled as part of the quick reaction alert system over the Baltic Sea.
Swift Response to Unidentified Aircraft
On the morning of March 11, radar operators detected an unidentified aircraft track over the Baltic Sea, traveling from Kaliningrad towards mainland Russia. NATO’s Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) immediately coordinated the launch of Swedish JAS-39 Gripen multi-role fighter aircraft assigned to NATO, as well as Belgian F-16AM fighter aircraft from Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania. Visual identification was made by the aircraft, confirming the Russian Tupolev Tu-134 “Crusty” military airliner.
This occurrence took place only days after Sweden’s accession as a NATO member, further emphasizing the importance of its contribution to NATO’s collective defense.
Second Encounter
Later that day, another unidentified track was spotted over the Baltic Sea. NATO’s CAOC promptly alerted the German Quick Reaction Alert base at Lielvarde, Latvia. In response, Germany launched Luftwaffe Eurofighters, joined by Swedish JAS-39 Gripens. Upon inspection, the aircraft was identified as a Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) Antonov An-26 “Cash” transport aircraft.
It is worth noting that Swedish aircraft engaging in real-world missions so soon after joining NATO clearly demonstrates the smooth interoperability and deep integration the Swedish Air Force has achieved
Tensions Persist in the Baltic Sea
Allied fighter jets are deployed regularly to intercept, identify, and track Russian planes flying in international airspace adjacent to NATO territory over the Baltic Sea and other sensitive zones. The recent events represent the second mission for the newly-assumed German Air Policing mission at Lielvarde and the Belgian Air Force’s twelfth such mission at Šiauliai.
Aggressive Russian Aircraft Mix
On Tuesday, Russia continued to exercise its right to perform scheduled flights over the international waters in the Baltic and Caspian Seas. However, this time, the mix of aircraft deployed was more menacing, involving Tu-22M3 long-range bombers accompanied by a MiG-31 fighter armed with the Kinzhal ballistic system, escorted by Su-30SM and Su-35S fighters. Russian Defense Ministry revealed aerial refueling exercises were also conducted, solidifying Russia’s presence in the region.
An Image of International Cooperation
Lieutenant-General Sergey Kobylash, the commander of Russia’s long-range aviation division, acknowledged that at various points during the mission, Russian aircraft were accompanied by fighter jets from other countries, including Swedish Gripens. This emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in maintaining airspace security.
Despite ideological differences and ongoing political tensions, the integration of aircraft from various NATO member states with Swedish fighters further bolsters the collective determination in safeguarding NATO’s security over the Baltic Sea.
