The eight countries participating in Arctic Challenge Exercise 21 are also supported by NATO's AWACS (Airborne Combat Command and Air Surveillance) Plan.

In addition, they are supported by, or meet resistance, by ground-based air defense units from different nations.

The exercise began on June 7 and ends on Friday.

Luleå bases its own forces but also Skaraborg's air flotilla F 7, the tactical development unit TU-Jas, the first Helicopter Squadron and the American 480th Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem, Germany.

In the clip, you hear why Minister of Defense Peter Hultqvist (S) believes that the flight exercise is so important right now.

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The flight exercise "ACE 21" is underway in earnest in Luleå.

A total of 70 planes from eight countries and almost a thousand participants are in place.

Photo: Jimmy Bäckström / SVT