Sweden will deploy Gripen fighter jets, naval vessels, and military personnel to Finland to assist in defending Finnish territory until at least the end of 2026, the Finnish Defense Forces announced on Friday, Aug. 28. According to Reuters, deployment is expected to enhance air and sea surveillance, allowing the Finnish military to free up its own resources. In addition to aircraft and warships, Sweden is also considering the transfer of anti-drone systems to its eastern neighbor.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “Sweden has responded to Finland’s request to strengthen air defense in connection with the deteriorating security situation,” Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said, adding that Swedish forces will assist in repelling attacks on Finnish territory if necessary. Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen stated that all Swedish forces will operate under Finnish command and in accordance with Finnish law. The two nations agreed to deepen cooperation specifically in detecting and countering unmanned aerial vehicles to secure the region’s territorial integrity. Häkkänen highlighted that the risk of reconnaissance drones remains acute due to Russia’s war against Ukraine, noting that drones could inadvertently or intentionally cross into Finland during Ukrainian attacks on Russian military targets. The last recorded incident of an unidentified drone near the Russian border in Finland occurred in early May, marking the fifth such occurrence.