This week, the RAF has been participating in intensive warfighting training with the Swedish Air Force as part of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).
Two RAF Eurofighter Typhoons from 6 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth and two Swedish JAS-39 Gripens conducted the routine training exercise in the vicinity of Ravlunda Range in southern Sweden.
The training provided an opportunity for the Joint Expeditionary Force partners to plan and deliver high-value training as part of the continued development of Joint Expeditionary Force interoperability.
The exercise scenario was that the RAF and Swedish aircraft were required to repel an attack from a hostile maritime landing force along Skåne's east coast.
The RAF Typhoons attacked targets on the ground and at sea, up to 2km from the coastline, with inert Paveway IV munitions. Meanwhile, the Swedish aircraft provided protection from threats in the air.
Exercise Baltic Striker was an invaluable opportunity to work alongside the Swedish Gripens and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. For the RAF and Swedish Air Force to be able to safely and accurately deliver munitions on target together requires a very high level of interoperability, something we proved today. It was a pleasure to work with the pilots of the Swedish Air Force’s 172 Fighter Squadron, the ease of integration was a testament to their professionalism and capability.
RAF Pilot
These attacks were coordinated by Swedish ground units, known as Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, who identified the targets and then marked them using smoke grenades.
The Joint Expeditionary Force is a British-led force comprising of 10 partner nations. The purpose of Joint Expeditionary Force is to act as a rapid response force in times of crisis. Joint Expeditionary Force can act on its own in a time of crisis or together with NATO.
This activity is routine, pre-planned training between two Joint Expeditionary Force partners and was not related to recent Nord Stream leaks in the Baltic Sea.
