In 1948 the Flygvapnet bought fifty Spitfire PR Mk.XIX, receiving the designation S 31 (S for Spaning - reconnaissance), and were all based with F 11 in Nyköping. They served until 1955 when they were replaced by Saab S 29 Tunnans. Unfortunately none of these original Spitfires are extant today. However, the Flygvapenmuseum acquired this ex-RAF (PM627) and Indian AF (HS964) Spitfire Mk.XIX that is now restored and on display as a Swedish S 31.

In 1948, Sweden bought 50 Spitfire PR.19s for its F11 wing at Nyköping, and these high performance recce Spits undertook several clandestine missions to photograph Soviet bases. This machine, RAF serial PM627, did not see Swedish service but was acquired by the Flygvapenmuseum in 1982.