During World War II, the Swedish Air Force underwent significant expansion and modernization, despite Sweden’s neutrality.
The escalating global conflict prompted Sweden to bolster its defenses to deter potential invasions or military pressure from major powers.
By the end of the war, the Swedish Air Force had grown to include over 800 combat-ready aircraft, organized into 15 fighter divisions.
A notable challenge during this period was the scarcity of fuel, as Sweden was surrounded by warring nations and could not rely on imported oil.
To address this, the country developed domestic solutions, such as producing petrol from oil shale.
Although Sweden did not engage in combat, the air force played a crucial role in maintaining the nation’s sovereignty and readiness during a time of heightened tension.
Aces
Sweden maintained neutrality during World War II, so its air force did not engage in combat operations against other nations.
As a result, the Swedish Air Force did not produce any “aces” in the traditional sense—pilots credited with shooting down a significant number of enemy aircraft.
However, Swedish pilots were highly trained and ready to defend the nation’s airspace if needed.
Aircraft
During World War II, the Swedish Air Force operated a mix of domestically produced and imported aircraft.
Beechcraft Model 18 (TRP-4) 1940-1953 Bristol Bulldog (J 7) 1930–1940 Caproni Ca.313 (B-16) 1940-1946 De Havilland Dragonfly (TRP-3) 1936-1942 Fairchild 24 (TP-6) 1940-1941 FFVS (J 22) 1942–1952 Fiat CR.42 Falco (J 11) 1940–1946 Fokker C.VE (J 3) 1930-1945 Fokker F.VIII (TP-10) 1942-1944 Gloster Gladiator (J 8) 1937-1945 Götaverken GV-38 (TP-12) 1941-1945 (A licenced-built Rearwin Sportster). Hawker Hart (B-4) 1937-1947 Heinkel HD 16 (T-1) 1928-1939 Heinkel He 115 (T-2) 1939-1948 Junkers F 13 (TRP-1) 1928-1946 Junkers Ju 52 (TP-5) 1940-1945 Junkers Ju 86 (B-3) 1936-1958 Junkers Ju 86 (TP-9) 1940-1956 Junkers W 34 (TRP-2) 1933-1945 Miles Falcon (TP-7) 1940-1944 North American P-51B, P-51D Mustang (J 26) 1945-1964 Northrop A-17 (B-5) 1938-1950 Reggiane Re.2002 (J 20) 1939–1945 RWD 13 (TP-11) 1939-1951 SAAB 17 1942-1949 SAAB 18 1944-1958 Seversky 2PA (B-6) 1940-1953 Seversky P-35 (J 9) 1940–1951 Svenska Aero Jaktfalken (J 4) 1929–1941 Waco Standard Cabin series (TP-8A) 1940-1947
These aircraft were part of Sweden’s efforts to maintain a strong defense while remaining neutral during the conflict.
Finland 1940
When the Soviet Union attacked Finland in November 1939, Sweden came to its neighbour’s assistance but eventually decided not to join the war.
A Swedish volunteer infantry brigade and a volunteer air squadron fought in northern Finland from January to March 1940.
The squadron was designated F 19 and consisted of 12 Gloster Gladiator fighters and four Hawker Hart dive-bombers.
