Sweden Sends Gripen Fighters to Poland for NATO Air Defense

Sweden will deploy JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft for NATO operations over Poland from October 2026, strengthening air surveillance on the Alliance's eastern flank and helping protect a logistics hub used to move military and civilian support to Ukraine.

The Swedish government announced the new contribution on September 30. The aircraft will support NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence and operations aimed at protecting Allied airspace.

Unlike Sweden's previous Gripen deployment to Poland, the aircraft participating in the new mission will mainly remain based in Sweden while contributing to operations over Poland.

The Swedish government has not disclosed how many Gripen aircraft will participate in the 2026 mission.

The deployment comes amid increased NATO attention to airspace security on the eastern flank following repeated airspace incidents in the Baltic and Eastern European region.

Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson said the security environment and repeated violations of NATO airspace require a high level of military readiness along the eastern flank.

The mission will also contribute to protection of a logistics hub in southeastern Poland that supports deliveries of military and civilian assistance to Ukraine. Swedish authorities did not identify the facility in the September 30 announcement.

Sweden conducted a similar NATO mission in Poland in 2025.

That deployment marked the first time Swedish combat aircraft operated from another NATO member state as part of NATO enhanced air policing. Sweden authorized up to eight JAS 39 Gripen aircraft for the mission, with the Swedish contingent operating from Poland between spring and summer 2025.

The 2025 force included aircraft and personnel from the Swedish Air Force's Norrbotten Wing and operated under NATO command. Swedish personnel were based at Malbork Air Base alongside Allied forces.

The 2026 mission reflects Sweden's growing operational role within NATO since the country became a full member of the Alliance in March 2024.

Swedish Gripens have since participated in several NATO air defense activities. In 2026, Sweden also deployed Gripen aircraft to Iceland as part of NATO air policing and contributed fighters to NATO's Arctic Sentry activities.

The Gripen family is produced by Swedish defense company Saab. Sweden continues to operate JAS 39C/D aircraft while introducing the newer Gripen E into its air force.