The medal ceremony, held Wednesday at the Polish embassy in Stockholm, marked Poland's Armed Forces Day and recognized Swedish commanders, pilots and ground crews who took part in the mission.
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz handed out the Polish Armed Forces Medals, awarded in gold, silver and bronze grades. The honor is reserved for foreign nationals who make notable contributions to military cooperation with Poland or help bolster its defenses.
From April to August 2025, Swedish Gripen jets flew out of the Malbork air base in northern Poland as part of NATO's Air Policing mission, guarding Polish airspace. The jets also flew cover for a logistics hub near Rzeszów, a critical transit point for Western military aid to Ukraine. It was Sweden's first such deployment since joining NATO in 2024.
Polish Ambassador Karolina Ostrzyniewska told the gathered airmen the medals were a small gesture of gratitude. "We know that we can count on Sweden, but you should know that you can also rely on us", she said.
Gen. Jonas Wikman, commander of Sweden's air force, called the deployment "a challenge on every level", but praised the support his troops received on the ground. "Poland, as our host, provided us with everything we needed to carry out the mission", he said. "We appreciate your support before, during and after the deployment".
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Source: PAP