Sweden is sending Gripen fighter jets to Greenland as part of NATO's new Arctic defense initiative called Arctic Sentry. This move comes in response to NATO's announcement on Wednesday regarding increased security measures in the Arctic, specifically in areas like Greenland. Currently, Sweden has six fighter jets stationed in Iceland under a NATO operation where allied nations take turns monitoring Iceland's airspace. Some of these aircraft will now also patrol the surroundings of Greenland.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the importance of Sweden's role as a NATO ally in ensuring security across the entire alliance's territory. He noted that the Arctic region is gaining strategic significance, which necessitates a unified defense approach. This deployment signifies Sweden’s commitment to international cooperation in defending Arctic assets, alongside other NATO member countries.

The incorporation of Gripen jets into the Arctic Sentry operation marks a critical step in NATO's endeavors to bolster its presence in the increasingly geopolitically important Arctic region. As countries vie for influence and control over Arctic resources, NATO’s proactive measures reflect ongoing tensions and the necessity for cohesive strategies among allied nations for maintaining peace and security in the area.