Sweden's First NATO Surveillance Mission Near Russia's Border After NATO Membership

Defense Newws ,Sweden :-  Sweden recently conducted its initial surveillance mission as an official member of NATO near Russia's border over the Baltic Sea. The Swedish Air Force reconnaissance flight flew along the eastern border of Poland, which is partly shared with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

For this mission, a Saab 340 aerial early warning and control plane and a Gulfstream S102B Korpen electric intelligence aircraft were deployed by the 72nd Special Air Squadron and the 73rd Signals Intelligence Squadron. Both flights took off from Malmen Air Base in southern Sweden.

This surveillance flight occurred just three days after Sweden joined NATO as its 32nd member, marking the end of the country's 200-year non-alignment. The membership had faced a 20-month delay due to Turkey's initial holdout.

Sweden's NATO membership officially took effect after it delivered its instrument of accession to the treaty in Washington, DC. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that Sweden's accession strengthens NATO, enhances Sweden's security, and contributes to the overall security of the Alliance.

Stoltenberg highlighted that Sweden's recent contributions to NATO include troop reinforcements in Latvia and collaborative efforts with NATO's Civil Protection Group to enhance cooperation between the private sector and the alliance. The accession underscores NATO's commitment to keeping its doors open and respecting each nation's right to choose its own path.