This week, the Swedish Air Force announced the deployment of a new contingent consisting of six Gripen C fighters and 120 personnel to Polish territory, with the objective of strengthening the defensive capabilities protecting the logistical lines that support Ukraine. The deployed elements come from the Blekinge Air Flotilla and have arrived at Malbork Air Base in northern Poland, placing them within reach of the main logistical centers and transportation hubs in the southeast of the country, near the Ukrainian border.
It is worth noting that this is not the first Swedish force deployed to the area, as Stockholm has maintained its Norrbotten Wing in Poland since the end of March. That unit also operates six Gripen fighters. This previous deployment marks Sweden’s first participation in NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing mission since joining the alliance, and given its original two-month timeline, it should now be nearing completion. In contrast, the recent deployment of the Blekinge Wing is also coordinated under NATO command, but it is not part of the same mission—instead, it supports NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense.
Commenting on the matter, Christian Bertilsson, commander of the deployed contingent in Malbork, stated: “We can provide Poland with a significant air defense capability. When we contribute to NATO’s deterrence and collective defense—which the current air defense operation is part of—the Air Force also strengthens Sweden’s own security (…) We look forward to continuing cooperation with Poland and the United Kingdom and our joint mission to contribute to NATO’s deterrence and collective defense.”
In connection with this, it is important to remember that, in addition to the Swedish Gripen fighters deployed to Malbork, the Polish Air Force also operates MiG-29 aircraft from this base, as it is home to the 22nd Tactical Air Base. Furthermore, the Royal Air Force maintains its No. 2 Expeditionary Air Wing at the same location, with Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft deployed from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. These aircraft are part of what the RAF calls “Operation Chessman.”
Additionally, with regard to the specific mission of the newly deployed Swedish fighters, Western analysts highlight that they may be focused on protecting the Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport—one of the main delivery hubs for military aid destined for Ukraine. While both local and NATO forces have built a significant defense network to protect the site, Russia has issued multiple threats of attacks against NATO bases supporting Ukraine’s war effort. So far, such attacks have not occurred, but these threats have gained traction among more extremist factions within Moscow’s political circles.
Image credits: Försvarsmakten
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