Sweden’s defense ministry reported Saturday that a Russian reconnaissance plane experienced briefly violated Swedish airspace, just weeks before the Nordic country is envisioned to apply for NATO membership, which Russia opposes.
A statement from the Swedish Armed Forces explained the aircraft, an Antonov An-30, was initially situated when it was east of Bornholm and flying in the direction of Swedish territory. It briefly violated Swedish airspace right before leaving the location.
“Swedish fighter jets adopted the incident and photographed the airplane,” the defense ministry said.
Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist condemned Friday’s incident, which transpired in the background of Sweden’s anticipated application for NATO membership, which Russia is strongly opposed to. Neighboring Finland is also predicted to implement.
“We will, of system, act diplomatically from this,” Hultqvist reported, according to the Aftonbladet newspaper. “This motion is unprofessional and supplied the overall security circumstance, extremely inappropriate. Swedish sovereignty must often be highly regarded.”
Sweden and Finland are both equally envisioned to utilize for NATO membership in the coming weeks, a move that was once unthinkable. Community viewpoint, on the other hand, has shifted in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
