Sweden will participate in NATO’s Steadfast Noon nuclear deterrence exercise, deploying JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets and personnel from the Swedish Armed Forces.
Steadfast Noon is an annual NATO training event held in October to test and maintain the alliance’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
The exercise does not involve nuclear weapons, but it includes aircraft certified to carry them, known as Dual-Capable Aircraft.
Among the systems deployed during the exercise are bombers, fighter escorts, aerial refueling tankers, and aircraft specialized in reconnaissance and electronic warfare.
The event brings together about 2,000 military personnel operating from several airbases across Europe.
Sweden’s participation will focus on providing conventional air support with its Gripen fighters, enhancing interoperability with NATO forces, and contributing to the alliance’s overall deterrence posture.
“Nuclear deterrence is part of NATO’s collective deterrence, which ultimately aims to guarantee the security of the allies. In an increasingly insecure world, NATO needs to have a credible nuclear capability to prevent attacks against the alliance,” said Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
JAS 39 Gripen
The JAS 39 Gripen is a multi-role combat aircraft manufactured by the Swedish firm Saab.
The aircraft measures 14.1 meters (46.25 feet) in length, with a height of 4.5 meters (14.76 feet) and a wingspan of 8.4 meters (27.56 feet).
It has a maximum take-off weight of 14,000 kilograms (30,865 pounds) and can reach speeds of up to 2,469 kilometers (1,534 miles) per hour.
The aircraft has an operational range of about 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles), allowing it to conduct extended missions without refueling.
The Gripen can be refueled and re-armed in under 10 minutes for air-to-air missions and in less than 20 minutes for air-to-ground operations.
