Sweden says four Russian jet fighters breached its airspace a day after the country's prime minister stated that her government would strive to strengthen its military capabilities in reaction to Ukraine's invasion.

Swedish military officials said the four fighters, two Russian SU-24s, and two SU-27s, entered Swedish airspace Wednesday over the Baltic Sea, just east of the island of Gotland.

A Swedish Jas 39 Gripen fighter monitored the incursion and captured images of the Russian jets as they flew away.

"This demonstrates that our preparedness is adequate. "We were on the ground to protect Sweden's territorial integrity and borders," Air Force Chief Maj. Gen. Carl-Johan Edstrom said in a statement. "We are in complete command of the situation."

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has lasted nearly a week, has alarmed nations such as Sweden, which is in Russia's shadow. Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson stated on Tuesday that her government wishes to strengthen the country's military capabilities.

Sweden, like its neighbor Finland, is not a NATO member. Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions have reignited discussion over Russia's membership in the alliance.

"Given the current state of the world, we take this incident extremely seriously," Maj. Gen. Edstrom stated. "Russia has acted in an unprofessional and irresponsible manner."

According to The Local, a Swedish English-language news website, Sweden increased defense spending by roughly 40% in October.