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The fighter jets have been sent to Northern Europe amid Finland and Sweden’s push to join NATO to counter Russian aggression.
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The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed Royal Air Force deployments of Typhoon FGR4 and F-35B Lightning jets to Finland, and Typhoon FGR4 jets to Sweden.
The jets were deployed over the past month for integrated fighter aircraft training as part of an increased presence in the region in response to Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Specifically, two F-35Bs and four Typhoons conducted high-end warfighting training with Finnish F-18 Hornets and Swedish Gripen aircraft.
The engagements, which were requested by the Finnish and Swedish governments, come amid the Nordic nations’ push to join NATO, triggered by security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
NATO members recently signed off on ascension protocols, which are expected to pave the way for Finland and Sweden’s inclusion.
“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,” UK Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace said.
“These deployments highlight our determination to enhance that partnership and ensure our forces can work together seamlessly.”
Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist said the Joint Expeditionary Force is supporting regional security and stability.
“Joint exercises, like the one here in Såtenäs, strengthen our ability to operate together in response to a crisis in our neighbourhood,” Minister Hultqvist said.
“This is particularly important in today’s challenging security environment.”
Accompanying the RAF fighter jets were teams of specialists from RAF Marham and RAF Lossiemouth, as well as a Voyager aircraft from RAF Brize Norton, which provided air-to-air refuelling capability.
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