Situated roughly 100 kilometres off the Swedish coast, the island of Gotland is of strategic importance, as it has a commanding view of the Baltic Sea. Should a crisis occur, the island would provide the Swedish Armed Forces with an advantage to influence air and maritime traffic.

This year, NATO partner Sweden hosted the annual United States-led maritime exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS), to coincide with the 500th anniversary of the Swedish Navy.

As part of BALTOPS 22, the Swedish Army practised the rapid reinforcement and defence of Gotland against a simulated aggressor, working alongside US Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, deployed across the Atlantic for the exercise.

In the month prior to Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February, Sweden deployed an emergency contingent of troops to strengthen Gotland’s defence.

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