Sweden Deploys Gripen Fighters to Intercept Russian Air Force Su-24MR Jet

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — A Russian Air Force Su-24 fighter jet violated Swedish airspace over the Baltic Sea near Gotland, the largest island of the Scandinavian country, located approximately 300 km from Russia’s exclave of Kaliningrad and 600 km from mainland Russia.

 This incident, which occurred on June 14, marks the first such intrusion since Sweden became the latest member of NATO.

Despite receiving radio warnings from the Swedish Armed Forces’ command center, the Russian jet did not alter its course.

 In response, Sweden deployed its JAS-39 Gripen fighters to force the Russian aircraft out of its airspace.

Swedish Air Force Commander Jonas Wikman condemned the action, stating, “Russia’s behavior is unacceptable and demonstrates a lack of respect for the sovereignty of other nations. We monitored the entire situation and were prepared to intervene.”

 

Although the intrusion was brief, its implications are significant, according to Wikman.

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström announced that Sweden would summon the Russian ambassador to protest the incident, emphasizing, “Russia’s conduct is unacceptable.”

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will call in the Russian embassy to discuss the incident. We are in close communication with our allies and partners about the situation.”

The Swedish Air Force has released images of the intercepted Russian Su-24, identified as the “MR” variant—a reconnaissance fighter aircraft.

It is equipped with sensors and systems for intelligence-gathering missions, including Side-Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR) for mapping and surveillance, infrared, and high-resolution optical cameras for target identification and electronic intelligence (ELINT) purposes.

 

This incident follows a similar airspace violation in March 2022 over Gotland by two Su-27 and two Su-24 fighter jets, during which Sweden also scrambled Gripen jets to intercept and direct them out of its airspace.

 Analysts suggest the incursions may either be pilot errors or deliberate acts intended to challenge Sweden following its NATO membership or to test the Swedish Air Force’s Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) capabilities.

Additionally, such reconnaissance activities have been a common practice by Moscow since the Cold War era, aiming to gather intelligence on potential adversaries. — DSA