Just before lunch on Thursday, a Russian reconnaissance plane of the type I1-20, escorted by two fighter planes of the type Su-27, was interested in the ongoing NATO exercise Baltops in and around the Baltic Sea.
According to information to DN, the plane must have flown at low altitude over the American amphibious ship USS Kearsage, which participated in the exercise.
According to the newspaper's information, the purpose must "probably" have been to be able to photograph it.
Violated the Aviation Act
The three planes must also have repeatedly flown into the northern part of the Visby terminal area, which extends north from Visby Airport halfway up to the Stockholm area.
In order to be allowed to fly into the area, it is required that both commercial and military aircraft report their arrival, among other things to avoid accidents.
But the Russian planes never showed up, which is contrary to aviation law.
They also lacked a transponder and were therefore not visible on the air traffic control's civilian radar.
Never violated Swedish airspace
The Armed Forces confirms that the Russian planes flew off Gotland on Thursday, and that it happened in connection with Baltops.
But the plane never violated Swedish airspace as they did not fly within Sweden's territorial border, states Erik Karlsson, press secretary in the Armed Forces.
- No violation of Swedish airspace took place, he says to SVT News.
The Armed Forces had their own planes in the air to follow the Russian plans, says Erik Karlsson.
- We have a good air situation picture and a good operational ability to handle these events.
The Armed Forces does not want to comment on whether the Russian planes intended to photograph the USS Kearsage or not.
- We do not go into details about how they flew, says Erik Karlsson.
The text is updated.