Swedish JAS 39 Gripen Fighters at Beautiful Bardufoss Air Station

Swedish Air Force fighters are blasting off from an air base in Norway’s High North for NATO’s largest annual air exercise.

A detachment of JAS 39 Gripen fighters is based at Bardufoss Air Station for the exercise and is undertaking simulated combat missions in support of 18 NATO Allies, who themselves are flying out of more than 20 different locations throughout Europe. Bardufoss Air Station is one of several air bases in the Arctic Circle being used during Ramstein Flag; the air station features hangar-bunkers embedded in a mountainside and recently renovated after decades of dormancy.

When Sweden joined NATO in 2024, it brought with it a robust air force with more than 100 JAS 39 Gripen fighters. Sweden also manufactures the fighter domestically; the Gripen currently serves in the Czech and Hungarian air forces.
Ramstein Flag is organised and executed by NATO Allied Air Command. This is its third iteration. In 2026 it took place between 8 June and 19 June.
Footage includes shots of Swedish Air Force jets taking off from and landing at Bardufoss Air Station, as well as an interview with Lieutenant Colonel Erik, the detachment commander. #sweden #airforce #aircraft