Sweden begins air policing of Poland, to be followed by Patriot deployment in December 2026

The Swedish Armed Forces plan to deploying Patriot air defence systems and 100 soldiers to protect NATO's eastern flank in Poland starting in December 2026. (Swedish Armed Forces)

The Försvarsmakten, the Swedish Armed Forces, announced on their website on 6 October 2026 that they are deploying Patriot air defence systems, designated by Sweden as Luftvärnssystem 103, and 100 soldiers to protect NATO's eastern flank in Poland from the beginning of December 2026, continuing during the first half of 2027. The announcement followed the beginning of air policing of Poland by Swedish Air Force (SwAF) Gripen combat aircraft on 1 October.

The Gripens and Patriots will protect the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) logistics hub in Rzeszow, southeastern Poland, which is used for military and civilian support of Ukraine and contribute to NATO integrated air and missile defence (IAMD), subordinated to the alliance.

The Försvarsmakten said that Sweden would participate in a NATO operation for the first time with Patriot systems from the Swedish Army's Air Defence Regiment based in Halmstad, relieving Royal Netherlands Air Force Patriots. Swedish Army chief Major General Johan Pekkari said Swedish participation in the mission also includes the SwAF's Blekinge Wing, which operates Gripen C/D combat aircraft.

The Swedish government and NATO's Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) announced on their websites on 30 September that Sweden would support the defence of NATO's eastern flank in Poland with Gripens, contributing to NATO IAMD and providing protection and security for military and civil support of Ukraine.