Russian plane violated Swedish airspace for the first time since it joined NATO

A Russian plane violated Swedish airspace for the first time since Sweden joined NATO Diana Kwasniewska

Russia violated Swedish airspace/Collage 24 Channel (Photo by RosSMI and pixabay)

Russian Su-24 aircraft violated Swedish airspace. Because of this, the NATO country scrambled two Swedish Jas-39 Gripen fighters into the sky.

The incident occurred on the evening of June 14, 2024. Swedish diplomats have already made a statement.

What is known about the Russian plane in Sweden

< p class="bloquote cke-markup">On Friday (June 14 – Channel 24), a Russian SU-24 fighter jet violated Swedish airspace east of the southern tip of the island of Gotland. The Russian plane was warned by a verbal call from Swedish Air Combat Command. When this was not taken into account and the plane did not deviate from its route, it was diverted from Swedish airspace using a JAS-39 Gripen, the Swedish military said.

According to them, Such actions by the Kremlin are unacceptable and demonstrate a lack of respect for Sweden's territorial integrity.

“We followed the whole process and were there to intervene,” said Air Force Chief Jonas Wickman.

He explained that the violation was short-lived.

Russia violated Sweden's space for the first time since its membership in NATO

The Swedish military explained that Russia resorted to similar actions back in 2022. In particular, then two Russian SU-27s and two Russian SU-24s violated Swedish airspace, also over Gotland.

By the way, the other day Russia violated Finnish airspace. By the way, the country became a member of NATO on April 3, 2023.

Sweden responded to the Kremlin's actions

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said that due to violation of airspace by Russian planes, diplomats from the Russian Embassy in Stockholm will be called to him.

We are in close contact with allies and partners on events in our immediate area,” the politician noted.

By According to Reuters, the minister called Russia's actions an “unacceptable” violation of Swedish airspace.

The Kremlin brings planes closer to NATO

A source in the Alliance told Reuters reporters that the number of NATO sorties to intercept aircraft increased by 20 – 25% in the first quarter of 2024.

The publication’s interlocutor said that the source did not give a specific figure, but assured that:

• unlike the past, Western pilots are still almost detect Russian fighters or strategic bombers approaching Allied airspace,
• most interceptions are carried out through surveillance aircraft or sometimes transport aircraft.

The Alliance explained that Russian military aircraft have long not transmitted a transponder code, which can indicate their location and altitude, as well as their flight plan, and do not communicate with air traffic controllers.