Our latest photoflight project in Sweden delivered two unforgettable days with the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight, capturing some of the most significant classic jets still flying today. With Sweden preparing for its 100th anniversary airshow in 2026, we made the journey from Denmark early, knowing these aircraft are approaching the end of their flying era. Every moment in the air felt like we were preserving history that may not be possible to repeat in the future.
The mission began with the disappointment of learning that the planned dual-Viggen formation would not happen, as the bare metal Viggen was unable to fly. But the day instantly redeemed itself when the Sk 16 Harvard joined up on the Skyvan in perfect weather, giving every photographer new imagery against stunning Swedish scenery. That momentum continued as the Sk 60 arrived, marking the first air-to-air session with its bare metal example since 2018.
From there, Sweden provided what only Sweden can. The world’s sole flying Saab J 29F Tunnan joined our formation, offering rare opportunities for portrait and two-ship compositions. The jet remained long enough to welcome the impressive Saab J 32 Lansen—an aircraft whose size and presence dominated the session. With the Lansen, we captured a knife-edge pass and even tested a new manoeuvre, formatting the Skyvan visually as the wingman.
The second mission brought a fresh encounter with the Tunnan before the arrival of the project’s highlight: the Saab SK 37E Viggen. Its extended join-up allowed every photographer to work through all angles and distances, showcasing the distinctive Swedish delta design in a way few have ever seen. The Viggen’s time with us was lengthy and generous, creating imagery that will stand as a historic record.
Looking back, this project reaffirmed Sweden as one of the world’s most important destinations for historic jet photography. In two days we flew air-to-air with Sk 16, Sk 60, Tunnan, Lansen and Viggen—each representing a chapter of Swedish military aviation evolution. As the 2026 centennial approaches, it may be the last opportunity to see all these classic jets flying together, making the imagery from this mission even more valuable and irreplaceable.
The mission began with the disappointment of learning that the planned dual-Viggen formation would not happen, as the bare metal Viggen was unable to fly. But the day instantly redeemed itself when the Sk 16 Harvard joined up on the Skyvan in perfect weather, giving every photographer new imagery against stunning Swedish scenery. That momentum continued as the Sk 60 arrived, marking the first air-to-air session with its bare metal example since 2018.
From there, Sweden provided what only Sweden can. The world’s sole flying Saab J 29F Tunnan joined our formation, offering rare opportunities for portrait and two-ship compositions. The jet remained long enough to welcome the impressive Saab J 32 Lansen—an aircraft whose size and presence dominated the session. With the Lansen, we captured a knife-edge pass and even tested a new manoeuvre, formatting the Skyvan visually as the wingman.
The second mission brought a fresh encounter with the Tunnan before the arrival of the project’s highlight: the Saab SK 37E Viggen. Its extended join-up allowed every photographer to work through all angles and distances, showcasing the distinctive Swedish delta design in a way few have ever seen. The Viggen’s time with us was lengthy and generous, creating imagery that will stand as a historic record.
Looking back, this project reaffirmed Sweden as one of the world’s most important destinations for historic jet photography. In two days we flew air-to-air with Sk 16, Sk 60, Tunnan, Lansen and Viggen—each representing a chapter of Swedish military aviation evolution. As the 2026 centennial approaches, it may be the last opportunity to see all these classic jets flying together, making the imagery from this mission even more valuable and irreplaceable.
