Sweden's military will participate in the ​surveillance and protection of Finland's ‌territory with Gripen fighter jets and corvette warship, at ​least until the end ​of 2026, Finland's defence ⁠forces said on Friday.

"The ​Swedish equipment strengthens air surveillance ​in particular, releasing the Finnish Defence Forces' own resources for repelling ​violations and incidents, ​if need be," Finland's military said ‌in ⁠a statement.

The initiative follows a request by Finland to Sweden, which has a ​1,340-kilometre (833-mile) ​long eastern ⁠border with Russia, a spokesperson for ​the Swedish defence minister ​said.

Finland ⁠and Sweden, NATO's two newest members, already have ⁠a ​close bilateral defence ​cooperation.