Swedish fighter jets intercept Russian combat aircraft twice over Baltic Sea

According to Ukrinform, the Nordic Defense sector reported this, citing a statement from the Swedish Armed Forces.

The Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) report that the incidents occurred in the southern and northern parts of the Baltic Sea. Two pairs of JAS 39 Gripen aircraft were scrambled to intercept and identify the Russian fighter jets.

Swedish airspace was not violated in connection with these incidents.

The Russian aircraft were Su-24 and Su-34 models. During these incidents, allied fighter jets were also scrambled to maintain security in the shared airspace.

"The Russian behavior is serious and represents a recurring pattern that threatens both our territorial integrity and security. Swedish and allied combat aircraft acted swiftly, resolutely, and clearly by intercepting the Russian aircraft and securing the territory of Sweden and the Alliance," said Vice Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum, Head of the Swedish Armed Forces' Joint Operations Command. 

The Swedish Armed Forces state that, in light of the increased threat to allied airspace in the surrounding region, they have strengthened their presence and adjusted their combat readiness levels.

As reported by Ukrinform, in April, two Russian military aircraft repeatedly and dangerously approached an unarmed British Royal Air Force reconnaissance aircraft over the Black Sea.

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