Exercise Loyal Arrow has begun

By: Mats Carlsson – 9 June 2009 kl: 14.49
Last updated: 8 July 2013 kl: 14.44
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On the morning of June 8, the thunder of the fighter aircraft could be heard from the F 21 Wing at Luleå as the big air exercise Loyal Arrow has started to get serious. “This exercise will strengthen our capacity for defending ourselves, and I am proud that Sweden and Norrbotten is able to host an international exercise of this kind,” said the Swedish Minister of Defence, Sten Tolgfors during his visit to the F 21 Wing.

Two U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle leaving for their first mission. Photo: Mats Carlsson/Försvarsmakten
“We can be proud that Sweden and Norrbotten is able to host an exercise of this kind,” said the Swedish Minister of Defence, Sten Tolgfors during his visit.
“We can be proud that Sweden and Norrbotten is able to host an exercise of this kind,” said the Swedish Minister of Defence, Sten Tolgfors during his visit. Photo: Mats Carlsson/Försvarsmakten
A Swedish JAS 39 Gripen taxiing, while in the background a Turkish Air Force transport aircraft is preparing to touch down at Norrbotten Wing.
A Swedish JAS 39 Gripen taxiing, while in the background a Turkish Air Force transport aircraft is preparing to touch down at Norrbotten Wing. Photo: Mats Carlsson/Försvarsmakten
At the guardroom at F 21 Wing, flags of the participating countries are flying in the wind.
At the guardroom at F 21 Wing, flags of the participating countries are flying in the wind. Photo: Mats Carlsson/Försvarsmakten
“We can be proud that Sweden and Norrbotten is able to host an exercise of this kind,” said the Swedish Minister of Defence, Sten Tolgfors during his visit. Photo: Mats Carlsson/Försvarsmakten
A Swedish JAS 39 Gripen taxiing, while in the background a Turkish Air Force transport aircraft is preparing to touch down at Norrbotten Wing. Photo: Mats Carlsson/Försvarsmakten
At the guardroom at F 21 Wing, flags of the participating countries are flying in the wind. Photo: Mats Carlsson/Försvarsmakten

The aim of Exercise Loyal Arrow is to practice methods for rapid deployment and to develop the capability of the Swedish Air Force to participate in international missions, the scenario for the exercise is a multinational, UN-mandated, NATO-led, crisis management force.
“We are participating in UN mandated, NATO-led missions and I am referring to Kosovo and Afghanistan,” the Minister Tolgfors underlined, “the Swedish units must meet the requirements that are required in international missions, whether they are led by the UN, EU or NATO. If we are to meet these requirements, we must also train with other nations. It is also very important for the safety of the Swedish men and women who participate in missions all around the world to have trained together with other nations.”

Excellent conditions for the exercise

The exercise started on Monday at 10 o’clock. The fighter aircraft from the participating countries left the F 21 airbase and headed towards the exercise area in order to carry out a number of tasks within a fictitious scenario.
During his visit, Minister of Defence Tolgfors commented on the excellent conditions for air exercises in the Norrland area.
“The conditions here in Norrbotten are unique,” said the minister, “and I am happy that we can offer one of the very best training areas in Europe.”

Safety first

Being the host nation, Sweden will get some useful training and experience in exercise planning and logistics.
“I am happy now that everything is working well,” said Colonel Dennis Hedström, the Swedish Defence Forces project manager for this exercise, “now the exercise can begin after all. The professional attitude that I have seen during the last few days of preparation, makes me quite confident concerning the coming weeks. Throughout the exercise it is mission first and safety always.