Stockholm responds to Helsinki’s request for additional military support as security concerns grow along NATO’s northern border with Russia
HELSINKI: Sweden will deploy Gripen fighter jets and a corvette warship to help Finland monitor and protect its territory until at least the end of 2026, Finland’s defence forces announced on Friday.
The deployment will strengthen Finnish air surveillance while allowing Finland’s military to redirect its own resources towards responding to potential territorial violations and other security incidents.
Sweden and Finland, NATO’s two newest members, already maintain extensive bilateral defence cooperation. However, concerns have intensified because Finland shares a 1,340-kilometre border with Russia.
Sweden Responds to Finland’s Request for Support
Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson told Reuters that Stockholm had responded to Finland’s request for stronger air defences following a deterioration in the regional security situation.
Under the arrangement, Swedish forces could also help Finland respond to violations of its territory if necessary.
Moreover, Sweden could provide vessels equipped with capabilities to counter drones as well as ground-based anti-drone systems.
The cooperation comes as military drones increasingly stray into the airspace of Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, raising concerns about the Russia-Ukraine war spilling across NATO’s northern borders.
Drone Incidents Heighten Regional Security Concerns
Meanwhile, Ukraine has intensified attacks against Russian oil-shipping ports in the Baltic Sea region. Some drones have reportedly missed their intended targets, prompting security warnings in neighbouring countries.
The latest Swedish deployment consequently adds another layer to NATO members’ efforts to strengthen surveillance and defensive capabilities near Russia.
Separately, Swedish defence manufacturer Saab announced on Friday that Finland had placed an order worth 1.2 billion Swedish crowns, approximately $126 million, for its RBS 70 NG portable air-defence missile system.
The purchase further strengthens Finland’s air-defence capabilities as Helsinki and Stockholm deepen military cooperation amid heightened regional tensions.
