Sweden is prepared to contribute Jas Gripen to a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine, but all sharp operations carry risks, says Ewa Skoog Haslum, head of the defense operations command. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has identified air surveillance, mine clearance in the Black Sea, and ground training as possible Swedish contributions. Planning has been underway for over a year with colleagues from more than 30 countries, but details await a peace agreement.
Ewa Skoog Haslum, head of the defense operations command, emphasizes that Sweden is ready to support security guarantees for Ukraine but highlights the risks involved. "All our sharp operations are risky," she says. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) has specified three areas for Swedish engagement: air surveillance with Jas Gripen, mine clearance in the Black Sea, and ground training efforts.
Planning has been ongoing for over a year with participants from more than 30 countries, but without a finalized peace agreement, details cannot be set. Skoog Haslum is clear that Jas Gripen must be able to respond to Russian fire if Russia violates the agreement: "If something happens, we always have the right to defend ourselves."
She refers to an incident in Poland last fall, where Swedish aircraft protected a logistics hub. The week after the Swedish mission, the area was hit by a Russian attack with missiles and drones, at which point Dutch aircraft took over. On allocating Gripen jets, she questions whether any country in Europe, the US, or Canada can spare much: "But peace in Ukraine is so vital for world peace, so there is no choice."
Personnel poses another challenge. Sweden already contributes 600 soldiers for half-year rotations to a NATO mission in Latvia. It is unclear how many will be needed for the Ukraine task and for how long. Discussions are underway about changing rules for fully trained conscripts, who currently can only be used during heightened readiness. Skoog Haslum notes this is a political matter, but the defense wants greater flexibility: "The Supreme Commander wants as much flexibility as possible with his personnel and materiel." As a new NATO member, Sweden needs available personnel and equipment for its tasks.
