In BODOE, Norway and LULEA, Sweden, Swedish armed forces have recently joined NATO for military exercises, providing troops, helicopters, and fighter jets as part of the alliance’s largest set of drills since the Cold War. Sweden is on the brink of joining NATO, with the final ratification received last week.
Over 20,000 troops from more than a dozen countries are participating in the exercises that are taking place in the high north region, which is witnessing significant changes with the inclusion of Sweden and Finland, who opted for NATO alignment after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
At Camp Bodin military base in Bodoe, northern Norway, U.S. and Norwegian F-35s, Finnish F-18s, and Swedish Gripen fighter jets were seen flying low across the sky, testing a joint Nordic air operations center, a crucial component of the drills.
Major General Rolf Folland, the Norwegian Air Force Chief, and head of the new center, highlighted the importance of total integration among the forces as a result of Finland’s recent NATO membership and Sweden’s imminent membership.
A group of over 300 officers and specialists are working together to coordinate and manage the aircraft involved in the exercises, with approximately half of them stationed temporarily at Camp Bodin.
The drills in the far north of Norway, Sweden, and Finland are part of the broader Steadfast Defender 2024 exercises by NATO, simulating how U.S. troops could support European allies on the eastern flank and test new defense plans.
Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark agreed to establish a unified Nordic air defense force last year to counter the growing threat from Russia. By integrating the Nordic air forces, a regional fleet of around 250 fighters will be created, equivalent to the air power of a military power like Britain.
William Alberque from the International Institute for Strategic Studies emphasized that this unified air defense will significantly enhance air power and control over the Baltic, Nordic, and high north region, providing a credible deterrence against potential aggressors.
Sweden, with a long history of non-engagement in wars, has been gradually moving closer to NATO in recent years, partly due to the downsizing of its military following the Soviet Union’s collapse. The country has participated in missions in Libya and offers unique strengths in system connectivity and operations, which it aims to share with Nordic nations and NATO.
Major General Jonas Wikman, the chief of the Swedish Air Force, pointed out the capabilities of Sweden’s Gripens, versatile fighters that can be quickly readied for missions and operate from temporary airstrips, generating interest among allies such as NATO and the U.S.
Colonel Peter Greberg, commander of the Swedish Air Force’s 21st wing, mentioned the growing attention from NATO and the U.S. towards Sweden and Finland, underlining the significance of their operational concepts. The armed forces of Sweden are anticipated to join NATO soon, with preparations already in place.
Norwegian Air Force chief Folland expressed readiness to celebrate Sweden’s NATO membership with a bottle of champagne, emphasizing the transformative impact of Sweden’s integration into the alliance. The ongoing exercises and cooperation signify a new chapter in Nordic defense and security collaboration.
(Reporting by Niklas Pollard; Editing by Stephen Coates)
