This morning we tracked two different SIGINT missions by Swedish aircraft assets.
The first, conducted over the Baltic Sea, was performed by a Saab 340 AEW&C (reg. 100003). The Saab 340 AEW&C is an airborne early warning and control aircraft. It is equipped with a powerful radar system that can detect aircraft and other targets at long ranges.
Meanwhile the second mission, carried out by a Gulfstream S102B (reg. 102002) took place over Poland, south of the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, and near the border with Belarus. The Gulfstream S102B is a modified Gulfstream IV business jet that is used for signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection. It is equipped with a variety of sensors that can intercept and analyze communications and other electronic signals.
The missions were likely conducted to gather intelligence on Russian military activity in the region.
This is not the first time we have tracked this type of mission, but these have a special value, which we dare to define as historic.
In fact, these are the first missions carried out by Swedish assets after Sweden officially became a member of NATO, yesterday.