The Quest for Relevant Air Power

298 │ Swedish Air Force
ticipation in various exercises. 103 SWAFRAP AJS 37 was replaced
by a new rapid reaction unit, SWAFRAP JAS 39, which became
operational on 1 January 2004. The unit was originally equipped
with eight JAS 39A Gripen aircraft, and the contracted and professional
personnel numbered approximately 260. 104
Against the backdrop of the NBG going on standby during the
first half of 2008, NATO interoperable JAS 39C Gripen combat
aircraft provided part of an air component. This NBG Gripen detachment
replaced SWAFRAP JAS 39 and was designated Stridsflygenhet
01 (SE01—Combat Aircraft Unit 01). Its mission spectrum
encompassed air defence, reconnaissance, and precision
strike. CAS was especially regarded as an important capability.
The SwAF contribution to the NBG was eight JAS 39C Gripen
multirole fighters, four Hercules transport aircraft, and an air base
unit. Moreover, the Armed Forces Helicopter Wing was ready to
dispatch seven transport helicopters. SE01 could also be deployed
outside the framework of the NBG, effectively taking over the role
of SWAFRAP JAS 39. 105 In the near future, all operational JAS
39C/D Gripen squadrons are planned to be deployable. 106
The SwAF’s NBG contribution was also listed in the EU Force
Catalogue 2006, which earmarked deployable military forces for
major EU operations. 107 Moreover, the SwAF’s S 102B Korpen signals
intelligence aircraft can also be made available for inter national
operations, and a possible future deployment of Swedish airborne
early warning assets was discussed in 2005. 108 With a retrofit (see
“C4ISTAR” section), two S 100 Argus airborne early warning aircraft
were readied for international deployments. Hence in the
future, all the SwAF’s major weapon systems are likely to be available
for international operations.
Cooperation on an Operational Level. During the Cold War,
it was very unusual for the SwAF to participate in international
exercises, and the mindset of SwAF officers was almost exclusively
geared up for national defence scenarios. In this regard, the
post–Cold War era brought about a significant shift. To facilitate
the SwAF’s thrust towards increased interoperability, English became
the language of tactical aircraft-to-aircraft communication.
Furthermore, PfP provided a platform for participation in multinational
exercises. 109 The SwAF’s rapid reaction units have particularly
been subject to rigorous training abroad. From its very be-