Swedish Gripens and American Bombers Train Together
As part of an SOI (Statement of Intent) signed between Sweden and the US in 2016, the former invited the latter to a joint exercise on February 22nd, reports Forsvarsmakten.
During the exercise, the Swedish Gripen escorted the American B-1B Lancer in Swedish airspace over central Sweden where ground units also participated. The purpose of the joint exercise was to enhance the Armed Forces' interoperability while strengthening both parties' defense capabilities and increasing stability and security.
"Joint exercise is important to increase our military capabilities. Firstly, to ensure interoperability and secondly, to ensure common methods and procedures. Like previous joint exercises, we have developed some great schedules this time around as well," says Air Force Chief and Exercise Leader Carl-Johan Edström.
According to Edström, the Air Force's most important task is to deliver a strong air defense system within the controlled airspace. "It provides us with scenarios where we are able to work together with others; like fighting targets on the ground, something that was also simulated during this exercise," he adds.
Regular joint exercises have been carried out between Sweden and the US ever since the SOI which included bilateral exercises, training and international efforts, was signed in 2016.
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