NATO and Baltic Tensions Escalate with Russian Aircraft Activity
Sweden scrambled two pairs of JAS 39 Gripen jets to intercept Russian aircraft over Baltic Sea. Neither Russian aircraft violated Swedish airspace during the encounters. Vice Admiral Ewa Skoog called Russian actions a threat to Swedish and NATO security. Russian aircraft included Su-24MR (tactical reconnaissance) and Su-34. Sweden reinforced military presence after incidents during NATO BALTOPS exercise. Sweden joined NATO in 2024 amid increased Baltic airspace threats