Russian fighters violate Swedish airspace as Finland-Sweden hold exercise

Four Russian fighter jets reportedly violated Swedish airspace on Wednesday, said Swedish Armed Forces in a press release.

The Swedish airspace was violated by two Russian SU 27 jets and two Russian SU 24 jets. The incident was brief and took place east of Gotland, out at sea.

"With the current situation as backdrop, we take this incident very seriously. Russia's conduct is unprofessional and irresponsible", said Swedish Air Force Commander Carl-Johan Edström.

The Swedish air force conducted an operation with JAS 39 Gripen aircraft of the rapid readiness unit, which documented and photographed the incident.

The incident occurred on the same day as Finnish Defence Forces took part in a joint military exercise organised by Sweden in the maritime area west of the island of Gotland.

Finland participated in the maritime joint exercise arranged by Sweden on Wednesday at the sea area west of Gotland, said Finnish Defence Forces in a press release.

From Finland, parts of the Defence Command Finland and defence branches, a warship and air force fighter aircraft participated.

The aim of the exercise is to test and develop Finland's and Sweden's common situational picture as well as the Navy's and Air force's interoperability.