Swedish air forces are launching another combat mission over Poland – as announced by Försvarsmakten (Swedish Armed Forces), the operation will involve fighter jets and personnel from the 17th Air Wing based in Blekinge. This marks the fourth mission of Swedish aviation within NATO since the country joined the Alliance.
Air defence support over Poland
According to RMF24 – fakty, Swedish aircraft will support NATO’s integrated air and missile defence. The planes will be subordinated to the NATO Air Operations Centre in Uedem, Germany. The main base for Swedish units will remain on Swedish territory, whilst air operations will be conducted over Poland, where a smaller forward base will be established.
“Through combat aviation, Sweden contributes advanced capabilities to NATO’s collective air defence. Together with allies, we protect the Alliance’s airspace, and thus are an important part of support for Ukraine,” emphasised Gen. Jonas Wikman, commander of Swedish air forces, quoted by Försvarsmakten.
Protecting Ukraine’s supply route
A key task of the mission is to secure the logistics hub through which military and civilian support for Ukraine is delivered. Operations are conducted within NSATU – NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, the Alliance’s structure coordinating security assistance and training for Kyiv. Since the outbreak of war, Poland has served as a crucial transit corridor for arms and humanitarian supplies to Ukraine.
For Poles living in the United Kingdom, the presence of Swedish forces over Poland means enhanced security for their home country in the context of the ongoing war beyond its eastern border. Sweden, which maintained neutrality for decades, has been actively engaged in collective defence since joining NATO in 2024.
Experience from previous operations
Before last year’s NATO assignments, Swedish air forces tested a range of advanced capabilities, including countering cruise missiles and drones, as well as air-to-air refuelling after dark. During earlier missions, Swedish units also trained with partners from other nations on servicing allied aircraft and operations from dispersed bases – in line with NATO’s Agile Combat Employment concept, which allows flexible use of infrastructure in case of threats.
In 2025, Swedish fighter jets already participated in missions over Poland: enhanced NATO airspace surveillance and protection related to support for Ukraine. In 2026, a Swedish contingent also served on NATO Air Policing duty over Iceland. The current operation continues this sequence of actions, strengthening the Alliance’s eastern flank.
