Sweden to send Gripen fighter jets on patrols near Greenland and Iceland

Sweden will patrol the waters around Iceland and Greenland with JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets as part of NATO's Arctic Watch mission. The Swedish government announced this on Thursday.

On Wednesday, NATO said it had launched Arctic Watch to strengthen its presence in the Arctic. The mission is part of an effort to ease tensions within the Alliance caused by US President Donald Trump's pressure for the United States to acquire Greenland.

"It strengthens deterrence, protects our common interests, and contributes to stability in a region that is crucial for Europe and transatlantic cooperation," said Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

According to him, Sweden will contribute to the initiative by first deploying Gripen aircraft in the area around Iceland and Greenland.

(reuters, lud)