In a significant move, the Swedish Air Force recently conducted its first reconnaissance flights near Russia's border since officially becoming a member of NATO. Open Source Intelligence experts reported that the purpose of these flights was to gather vital intelligence regarding the deployment and activities of Russian troops and weapons in the region.

Two flights took place on Saturday, each serving its unique purpose. The first flight was carried out by a Swedish Gulfstream S102B Korpen GIV-SP Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft, which flew over Poland, near the borders of Russia's Kaliningrad enclave and Belarus. The S102B Korpen is an extensively modified Gulfstream IV aircraft equipped with advanced sensors capable of performing signal intelligence operations. Its primary function is to scan the electromagnetic spectrum, identifying and categorizing signals from radars, navigation equipment, and weapon systems.

The second flight was executed by a Saab 340 radar aircraft, specifically designed for airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) operations. Operating over the Baltic Sea, the Saab 340 is equipped with a radar system capable of tracking ships, planes, and missiles at a range of 190-250 miles, while flying at an altitude of 20,000 feet.

According to the Ukrainian military site Militarny, these flights were conducted by the 72nd and 73rd squadrons of the special aviation intelligence unit, stationed at Malmen Air Base outside Linköping.

This development comes after Sweden officially became the 32nd member of NATO, following a handover of documents in Washington on Thursday. With concerns growing over Russian aggression in the Baltic states, Sweden's inclusion in NATO provides the alliance with new avenues for deterring potential Russian attacks.

Nima Khorrami, an analyst at the Arctic Institute, highlighted the significance of Sweden's membership, stating that it "extends NATO's missile range, putting strategic locations in Kaliningrad and St. Petersburg within reach." He further emphasized that this strengthens deterrence against possible Russian aggression, as NATO forces can promptly respond to threats in real-time.

Oscar Jonsson, a researcher at the Swedish Defence University, also emphasized the importance of Sweden's position for NATO, stating that it is crucial for both safely receiving NATO troops and capabilities, while being difficult for Russian forces to target. Jonsson added that Sweden's proximity to Kaliningrad allows for the launch of long-range precision capabilities.

A recent Lithuanian intelligence report stated that Russia has been responding to NATO's expanded membership by increasing its military presence in the Baltic region. It is important to note that Russia has long accused NATO of attempting to encircle it, which was cited by Putin as part of the justification for Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

As tensions between NATO and Russia continue to escalate, Sweden's participation in reconnaissance missions near the Russian border underscores the alliance's determination to monitor and deter any potential aggression.