RAF Typhoon and Swedish Air Force Gripen Joint Training

RAF Eurofighter Typhoons and Swedish Air Force JAS-39 Gripens participated in joint training exercises for the first time since commencing their collaborative deployment to Malbork, Poland.

The British Typhoons were the first to depart Malbork Air Base to simulate an adversary formation. In response, Swedish Gripens were scrambled to intercept the Typhoons, with support from a German Air Force A400M air-to-air refuelling aircraft.

This marks a new experience for the detachment; however, it is not the inaugural collaboration between the RAF Typhoon and the Swedish Air Force Gripen in training exercises. Previously, they conducted joint exercises in October 2022 at the Ravlunda Range in southern Sweden as part of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) initiative.

The training sortie provided pilots from No. II (Army Cooperation) Squadron and the Swedish Air Force's 211 and 212 Fighter Squadrons with the opportunity to gain direct experience in collaborative operations. This initiative is expected to enhance the understanding of each other's capabilities and improve interoperability both in the air and among ground crews.

“We work to the same rules and tactics, so it is important to train with other NATO members. As a pilot, you are always learning, sharing experiences, exchanging tactics and ideas. Ultimately, pilots are all growing and maturing with every mission we fly, whether it is a training sortie or a live mission. Training with other nations and aircraft results in all involved learning new ideas and improving all nations' interoperability. Today was a great experience for all involved.” Said the Officer Commanding No. II (AC) Squadron.

Pilots from No. II (AC) Squadron achieved a significant milestone by conducting air-to-air refuelling from a German A400M, thereby further enhancing the squadron's capabilities during their enhanced Air Policing mission.

One RAF Typhoon pilot noted, “We are greatly experienced in refuelling from RAF Voyager aircraft and similar aircraft from other nations. However, refuelling from an A400M presents unique challenges due to subtle differences, such as refuelling airspeed, hose response and basket size and shape. The German crews were extremely professional, and it was a great experience working with them.”

Operation Chessman represents the United Kingdom's contribution to the NATO enhanced Air Policing mission. Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel stationed at Malbork Airbase operate under the leadership of the 140 Expeditionary Air Wing. RAF personnel from various units are deployed at Malbork in collaboration with NATO's newest member, Sweden, with the mission scheduled to continue until July 2025.