Swedish Air Force fighters are blasting off from an air base in Norway’s High North for NATO’s largest annual air exercise.
A detachment of JAS 39 Gripen fighters is based at Bardufoss Air Station for the exercise and is undertaking simulated combat missions in support of 18 NATO Allies, who themselves are flying out of more than 20 different locations throughout Europe. Bardufoss Air Station is one of several air bases in the Arctic Circle being used during Ramstein Flag; the air station features hangar-bunkers embedded in a mountainside and recently renovated after decades of dormancy.
When Sweden joined NATO in 2024, it brought with it a robust air force with more than 100 JAS 39 Gripen fighters. Sweden also manufactures the...
