Swedish Flygvapnet releases recon photo of Libyan airbase

The Swedish Flygvapnet has released on its official blog a reconnaissance photo taken by one of its Gripens of an airfield in Libya, showing what appears to be a lineup of Yugoslav-built SOKO G-2 Galeb trainers/light attack aircraft on the ramp. (Link in Swedish)

Eight Swedish Gripens arrive in Sigonella for Libya missions

Joining the advance force of three aircraft, five more Flygvapnet Gripens have arrived at Sigonella airbase, Sicily in preparation for joining the NATO mission enforcing the no-fly zone over Libya. One of the Gripens has been photographed carrying a Rafael Litening recon/targetting pod.

Swedish Gripens head to Sardinia for Libya operations

Sweden's contribution to enforcing the Libyan No-Fly Zone has started, with three Flygvapnet Gripens headed to Sardinia to begin patrols over Libya, leading the way for five more Gripens and a C-130 which will make up Sweden's contingent.

Sweden signs up for Libyan NFZ with 8 Gripens

The Swedish Government has approved the deployment of eight Gripens to enforce the United Nations-mandated Libyan No Fly Zone. However the Swedish deployment does not authorise the Gripens to be used for ground attack missions. The Gripens will be supported by a C-130 and an unidentified "reconnaissance aircraft". (Ed: SIGINT Gulfstream V?)

Finnish AF To Replace Trainers; Joint Buy with Sweden Possible

In light of the recent decision to replace most of its Hawk trainer fleet, an opportunity has arisen for the Finnish Air Force for a joint buy with Sweden for a replacement trainer. The Swedish Air Force has a requirement to replace its Saab 105 trainers.

Gripen fire Meteor for Swedish Integration Programme

A Swedish Gripen has test fired the MBDA Meteor air-to-air missile as part of the Flygvapnet's integration program. It is expected that the final integration with Gripen for the Swedish Air Force will be finalized in 2013.

Sweden and Spain go with S-70 family.

The Sikorsky S-70 family of helicopters are still popular with armed forces round the world. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency DSCA has notified the US Congress that Sweden is likely to purchase 15 UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters, while at the same time Spain is purchasing 6 refurbished SH-60F Seahawks.

Sweden has signed a production order contract with UK's Ministry of Defence regarding the Meteor missile. Sweden is the third country after the UK and Spain to sign a production order for the Meteor AAM.

Sweden to integrate Meteor AAM on Gripen

Saab has received a contract from the Swedish Defence Ministry to integrate the MBDA Meteor active radar-guided AAM to the Flygvapnet's fleet of Gripens. The order is worth 312 million Swedish Kronor (US$42.7 million) spread over four years.

Triple Nickel return from exercise in Sweden

The Aviano-based 555th Fighter Squadron of the 31st Fighter Wing have returned from a two-week exercise with the Swedish Air Force.