Press release —
Joint Swedish-German Rapid Deployment Operation to Gotland
On Friday, Sweden and Germany rehearsed a rapid deployment of forces to Gotland, exercising NATO plans to rapidly strengthen the defence of the Baltic Sea region. German troops landed at Visby harbour alongside Swedish forces, while units from the Swedish and German Navy and Air Force secured the seas and the skies.
A rapid reinforcement of Gotland is being carried out by Swedish and German forces. The operation exercises NATO plans for a swift deployment of additional units to the island. During the operation, the Visby harbour is secured to enable the continued movement of additional personnel and materiel to Gotland. Coastal Defence Cruise Missiles were then deployed to the island, while fighter jets from both countries air forces patrolled overhead.
The ability to protect and defend ports, sea lines of communication and Allied airspace is essential to the rapid movement of military forces within NATO. This is a prerequisite for Sweden and Germany, together with their Allies, to strengthen the defence of the Baltic Sea region and protect and defend their territory.
“The operation now being conducted on Gotland is a testament to the close cooperation we have with Germany. It also demonstrates that we are not alone in the defence of the Baltic Sea,” says Major General Stefan Sandborg, Deputy Chief of Joint Operations of the Swedish Armed Forces.
Friday’s operation is an example of how Gotland can be reinforced swiftly and efficiently. German forces escort, protect and enable the movement of Swedish coastal defence units to Gotland in order to strengthen the defence of the island and the Baltic Sea region. The operation deploys a total of 1 500 troops from Swedish and German units.
At the same time, Swedish corvettes and German frigates, together with fighter aircraft from the respective air forces, protect the maritime and airspace domains to ensure the safe transit of the forces to the island.
“Last year, Poland exercised the reinforcement of Gotland. This spring, the United States, the United Kingdom and Denmark moved forces to the island to rehease strengthening the defence of the Baltic Sea region. Now we stand side by side with German soldiers on Swedish soil, united in NATO’s collective defence and in our commitment to protect one another against any threats we may face,” says Major General Stefan Sandborg.
The operation rehearses NATO plans and capabilities for rapidly reinforcing the defence of the Baltic Sea region and Gotland. Once the operation has been completed, the participating units will return to their respective permanent locations.
