Sweden to send military units to Finland after support request

The Swedish government has decided to send military units to Finland, SVT reports. The operation is expected to include Gripen fighter jets patrolling areas along the Finnish Russian border in the near term.

Finland requested military support from Sweden to strengthen NATO surveillance of its territory. The Swedish Armed Forces will assist with the operation, according to information obtained by SVT.

Finland has faced repeated air threats this year, including temporary airport closures linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine. The incidents have involved Ukrainian drones crossing into Finland and Russian violations of Finnish airspace.

The operation will be carried out under an established cooperation agreement between the two countries. Under that arrangement, the Swedish government has the authority to decide on measures to prevent violations of Finnish territory.