Sweden will reinforce Finland's territorial defense with Gripen fighter jets and a warship to combat Russian drones, in an operation expected to run at least until the end of 2026, announced the Finnish Defense Forces. The objective is to reinforce Finland's air and maritime surveillance, a country that borders Russia along 1,340 kilometers, and free up its own resources from the Finnish Armed Forces to respond to possible violations or incidents on its territory.
The operation comes in a context of growing concern about Russian drone incursions and other threats along the border. "Sweden responded to a request from Finland to reinforce its air defense due to the deteriorating security situation," said Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson in comments to Reuters. The Swedish executive added that Sweden could also help repel violations of Finnish territory, if necessary. Besides the Gripen jets and ships with the capability to combat drones, Stockholm could also make available ground-based anti-drone defense systems.
Sweden and Finland are the two newest members of NATO and have been deepening their military cooperation since joining the alliance. The decision falls within a cooperation model that the two countries already used before joining NATO, since since 2022 a bilateral agreement establishes conditions for mutual military support and joint operations for territorial surveillance and protection of the integrity of their respective territories.
