Swedish JAS 39 Gripen jets intercepted Russian Su-24 and Su-34 aircraft twice on 13 June, with allied combat aircraft also scrambled, the Swedish Armed Forces reported.
Sweden's territorial integrity has faced repeated pressure from Russian military activity over the Baltic Sea, with NATO allies intercepting Russian strategic bombers and fighters over the same waters in April 2026.
What happened
Sweden's air force carried out two interception operations on Saturday, 13 June, each involving two pairs of JAS 39 Gripen fighters, according to the Swedish Armed Forces on X and Nordic Defence Sector. The intercepted aircraft were a Su-24 Fencer supersonic bomber and a Su-34 Fullback fighter-bomber.
Allied combat aircraft were also scrambled during the incidents. Swedish airspace was not violated, the Swedish Armed Forces said.
Officials' response
"Russia's behaviour is serious and indicates a repeated pattern that threatens both our territorial integrity and security. Swedish and allied fighter aircraft acted swiftly, decisively, and clearly, intercepting the Russian aircraft," said Eva Skoog Haslum, head of the Swedish Armed Forces' Joint Operational Command.
In April 2026, NATO countries intercepted Russian strategic bombers and fighters flying over the Baltic Sea. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys recently said the Alliance must be ready to neutralize Russian military facilities in the Kaliningrad region in the event of a conflict with Russia.
