Sweden sends Gripens to NATO nuclear exercise

Swedish Gripen jets will provide conventional support in NATO’s annual nuclear-deterrence exercise in Italy, starting on 13 October. No live nuclear weapons will be used.

The government announced on Friday that Sweden will send JAS 39 Gripen aircraft and armed forces personnel to Steadfast Noon. Allied aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons also take part, but Sweden’s stated role is conventional support.

NATO says 17 countries will participate in the long-planned exercise, which trains personnel and tests procedures for its nuclear deterrent. The alliance describes it as routine training, unrelated to current events.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson says Sweden’s participation contributes to the alliance’s security. Defence Minister Pål Jonson describes the exercise as a demonstration of readiness to protect NATO members.

The Swedish announcement gives neither the number of Gripens nor the size of the personnel contingent.

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