Sweden has participated in NATO's Steadfast Noon nuclear exercises for the second year in a row.

The Swedish Air Force has deployed its **JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets** to Italy to participate in the role of **escorting** allied aircraft, **certified to carry American B61 nuclear bombs**. It is known that, at a minimum, the **F-35A fighter jets of the Dutch Air Force** and **Tornado fighter jets of the German Air Force** are also involved in these exercises.

The Swedish JAS 39 Gripen aircraft are practicing elements of escort, air defense suppression, reconnaissance, and other **tasks related to supporting nuclear operations** (Support of Nuclear Operations with Conventional Air Tactics).

It is noteworthy that on June 30, 2026, Ukraine and Sweden signed an **agreement to purchase 16 Gripen E fighter jets** for €2.5 billion (funded by an EU loan to Ukraine). The first of these will be delivered to the Ukrainian Air Force **as early as 2029**.

That is, **by that time, Ukrainian crews could potentially be carrying out missions to escort NATO aircraft carrying nuclear bombs**. This is another sign of **Ukraine's de facto integration into NATO, without formal membership** in the alliance.

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