The RAF has deployed fighter jets to Finland and Sweden after the two countries applied to join Nato. The air force said it was part of an "increased presence in the region" and that the host nations had requested the aircraft be sent over.
Two F-35Bs and four Typhoons conducted “high-end warfighting training,” the RAF said. Finnish F-18 Hornets and Swedish Gripen aircraft were involved too.
Swedish defence minister Peter Hultqvist said the joint exercises “strengthen our ability to operate together in response to a crisis in our neighbourhood”, adding: “This is particularly important in today’s challenging security environment.”
The UK signed mutual security assurance declarations with both countries in May against a backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They are also both members of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, a coalition of 10 nations.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Finland and Sweden are important defence partners and we welcome their applications to join Nato, which will make the alliance stronger as we face a renewed threat in Europe. These deployments highlight our determination to enhance that partnership and ensure our forces can work together seamlessly.”
