On Saturday, residents of Riga and other cities in Latvia will be able to observe the flight of Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters. The planes will fly over several military sites and will conclude with a flyover above the capital's center.
In honor of Sweden's National Day, a demonstration flight of Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters will take place over the territory of Latvia. Two aircraft from the Swedish Air Force will participate in the aerial event.
The most notable moment for the residents of the capital will be the flyover above the center of Riga. According to the Ministry of Defense, around 13:45, the fighters will be visible over the Riga Castle and the Freedom Monument.
The flight route will cover several cities and military sites. The planes will first appear over Valmiera, then fly over the airbase in Lielvarde, which plays an important role in supporting allied aviation operations in the Baltic region.
After that, the fighters will head to the military base in Adazi and the nearby Valdemars camp. A ceremony to award the Swedish contingent's servicemen and conclude another rotation is scheduled for that day.
For ordinary residents, this is a rare opportunity to see modern combat aircraft in the sky over Latvia without attending an air show or military exercises. The flyover will be particularly noticeable in the center of Riga.
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the event symbolizes NATO allies' cooperation and demonstrates partners' ability to conduct joint air operations in the region.
What is important to know: the announced time may change. The military warns that the route and flight schedule may be adjusted depending on weather conditions or operational circumstances.
The flight is also linked to Sweden's increasing presence in the region following its NATO membership. Since January 2025, Swedish servicemen have been serving as part of a multinational brigade of the alliance in Latvia. This is the first deployment of a Swedish military contingent outside the country since Sweden joined NATO in March 2024.
The demonstration flight will be one of the most notable public events related to the presence of the Swedish armed forces in Latvia.
