The RAF sends fighter jets for training with Sweden and Finland when nations join NATO
The RAF has deployed fighter jets to Finland and Sweden for joint training exercises, while the countries continue the process of joining NATO.
Defense Minister Ben Wallace said: “Finland and Sweden are important defense partners, and we welcome their application to join NATO, which will strengthen the alliance as we face a renewed threat in Europe.”
Two F-35Bs and four Typhoons conducted “advanced combat training” with Finnish F-18 Hornets and Swedish Gripen aircraft, the RAF said.
The aircraft are the UK’s most advanced and expensive jets, costing almost £ 100 million each. Finland has also recently announced that it will purchase its own F-35 jets from the American airline Lockheed Martin.
The two nations are in the midst of joining the Western military alliance, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine spurred them to overthrow almost a century of foreign policy. All 30 NATO countries must approve their membership, and the last major obstacle was resolved last month when they reached a compromise with Turkey on a dispute.
James Rogers, head of research at the Council of Geostrategy, said in “The deployment of RAF fighter jets to Finland and Sweden is a practical demonstration of Britain’s commitment, not only to the two soon-to-be NATO allies, but also to regional security in the wider Baltic Sea.”
Jim Townsend, former Pentagon’s Deputy Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy, said in that “Britain has always been at the forefront when it comes to training and training with partners and allies.”
“It is rare not to see a British soldier, sailor or pilot engaged in these critical activities that are crucial not only for interoperability, but to send the signal that Britain stands with its friends.”
The RAF said that the deployment was part of an “increased presence in the region” and was requested by the host countries.
Rogers said: “By training together, British, Finnish and Swedish pilots improve their ability to fight together if the need arises.”
“This is helping to deter Russia and is also, at least potentially, putting pressure on Moscow in the Baltic theater, forcing the Kremlin to think about its own vulnerabilities as it engages in aggression in Ukraine.”
Natia Seskuria, an associate fellow at RUSI and European security expert, said in that Russia could see Britain’s deployment of RAF fighter jets near its territory as a provocation, and the Kremlin could express threats of retaliation.
“But in practical terms, especially given how poorly Russian forces have performed in Ukraine so far, it is unlikely that the Kremlin threats will be followed by action.
“Initially, when Finland announced its intention to join NATO, Russia threatened with a nuclear response. These threats only served the purpose of creating a strategic ambiguity and creating fear among allies. ”
It is ironic that Putin’s destructive actions are what strengthen the alliance, she added.
“The key is that Finland’s and Sweden’s decision to join NATO and expand bilateral relations with Britain is a major defeat for Putin,” Seskuria said.
Sweden’s Minister of Defense Peter Hultqvist said that the joint exercises “strengthen our ability to work together in response to a crisis in our immediate area.”
“This is especially important in today’s challenging security environment.”
The UK signed mutual security declarations with both countries in May.
They are also both members of the British-led Joint Expeditionary Force, a coalition of 10 nations.