Allied Air Command | Sweden exercises national defense with the support of Partner Finland and NATO allies
RAMSTEIN, Germany – The Armed Forces conducts its annual air defense exercise Air Defense Exercise (LFÖ 22) 16-25 May with integrating Finnish forces and with the support of NATO Air Force.
In the middle of the Swedish and Finnish application process for NATO membership, the annual Swedish defense exercise LFÖ22 is taking place in southern and central Sweden. Participating fighter jets, helicopters, air defense systems and ground forces practice tactics, techniques and procedures to maintain Swedish territorial integrity.
The Air Force is developing our capability – towards a strong and tactically superior force
The Finnish Armed Forces has traditionally been a player in this exercise as they are integrated into the Swedish defense position. For the first time, the French Air Force’s Mirage 2000-5 fighter aircraft, currently stationed in Estonia, which carries out NATO’s air policing operations in the Baltics, joined the Swedish partner’s exercise that simulates opposing air forces during the scenario.
“This contribution from the NATO forces in a partner exercise underscores the close relationship between the Allies and Finland and Sweden in recent decades,” said Brigadier General Christoph Pliet, Deputy Chief of Staff at Allied Air Command as NATO’s Air Operations Abroad. “Especially in the Baltic region, Allied Air Command has worked with the two regional partners during countless exercises, training events and real-life situations in the field to protect our skies. This level of intensive cooperation underlines our collective commitment to defense and regional security,” added General Pliet.
A Finnish Air Force F-18 Hornet conducts an overflight with Swedish Air Force JAS 39-C Gripens: Archive Photo Courtesy: Finnish Air Force
Finnish F-18 Hornets participating in the Swedish air defense exercise. Photo Courtesy: Finnish Air Force
French Air Force Mirage 2000-5 join the Swedish Partner's exercise for the first time: Photo Courtesy: Swedish Air Force
“The Swedish Air Force is developing our capabilities – towards a strong and tactically superior force. Together with the army and navy, we are creating a military problem for an opponent, who refuses them to carry out offensive operations against Swedish territory. We do this together with our Finnish friends in “Together, we strengthen security and stabilize our region,” said Major General Carl-Johan Edström, commander of the Swedish Air Force. “The Swedish national exercise, Air Defense Exercise 2022, confirms our ability to conduct aviation operations. Together with integrated Swedish GBAD and the Finnish squadron in air defense training, we send a credible signal that we have a strong collaboration,” he added.
This is the second iteration of the Swedish defense exercise LFÖ. It is a regular feature of the Armed Forces’ training cycle. Finland has contributed resources to this exercise, which demonstrates the close relationship between the two NATO partners on territorial defense issues.