Wednesday 22 January, 2025

Russian fighters violate Swedish airspace during joint Finland-Sweden military drills

In an incident which the Swedish Air Force described as “particularly serious” given the current war in Ukraine, four Russian military aircraft violated Swedish airspace on Wednesday. Sweden called the Russian actions unprofessional and irresponsible.

Swedish broadcaster SVT reported that two Sukhoi SU-27 and two Sukhoi SU-24 fighter jets entered Swedish airspace east of the Baltic Sea island of Gotland, adding that the incursion was short-lived.

The Swedish Air Force said it scrambled a Jas 39 Gripen fighter jet in response to the incursion and to intercept and identify the Russian aircraft.

The incident occurred on the same day as Finnish Defence Forces were holding a joint military exercise organised by Sweden in and around the island of Gotland.

Neil Ritchie
Neil Ritchie
Neil Ritchie is the founder and editor of DefenceToday.com. Neil has a keen interest in the UK armed forces and national security issues as well as global defence procurement and cyber security matters. He also researches and writes about military history. Neil can be found on Bluesky: @neilritchie.bsky.social

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