Press release —
Sweden, Poland, Lithuania conducted contested boarding exercises in Baltic Sea
Special forces from Sweden, Poland and Lithuania have conducted a joint maritime special operations exercise in the Baltic Sea. The exercise, which took place in Swedish territorial waters, focused on contested boarding.
During the exercise, which took place around the 25th of May in the vicinity of Karlskrona, special forces from Sweden, Poland and Lithuania showcased their capability to conduct joint advanced boarding operations.
"In the scenario for this exercise, a ship failed to adhere to instructions to stop and allow boarding, and also showed hostile intent. Special Forces from three allied nations then proceeded to take control of the vessel by force" says Brigadier General Rickard Johansson, commander of Swedish Special Forces.
The exercise focused on both planning and execution of a joint direct action operation, and was designed to further enhance interoperability between Sweden, Poland and Lithuania.
"Security in the Baltic Sea region is a priority for us all and a joint responsibility. I’m very pleased with the results we achieved during this exercise and the strong cooperation between our nations."
The exercise followed a series of events in recent times where Swedish police and Coast Guard boarded a number of vessels suspected of sailing under a false flag.
