The principal responsibility of the Swedish Armed Forces is to defend Sweden and Swedish interests, our rights and our democracy. Excercises is a good way to enhance, signal and put our military capabilities to the test. Thus, conducting extensive and advanced exercises is key to creating a stronger defence.
We defend Sweden together with others
A number of countries and Swedish authorities will participate in defence exercise Aurora 23. In this way, Swedish total defence capability will also be reinforced. Together with military units from our partner countries we build security and, concurrently, reinforce the Swedish operational capability.
Aurora 23 will attract attention
Aurora 23 will be the largest national exercise of its kind in more than 30 years. More than 26 000 men and women are going to participate. The exercise will be conducted in the air, on the ground and at sea. Units all over Sweden will be involved. The exercise will primarily be noticed in southern Sweden and in and around Gotland. In order to conduct the exercise, participants will primarily use the Swedish Armed Forces’ own exercise areas and firing ranges, but activities will also be conducted on private land. In these areas, landowners and inhabitants will receive additional information.
Air exercise area during Aurora 23
For the most part, air exercises will be conducted in southern Sweden, day and night from 24 April to 11 May. Flight hours for combat aircraft will be posted later on. Flights with combat aircraft, helicopters, transport and other aircraft will be carried out from several air bases and civil airports:
- Uppsala
- Såtenäs
- Malmen
- Norrköping
- Nyköping
- Kalmar
- Visby
- Trollhättan
- Råda
- Hagshult
- Ronneby
Moreover, air transports will be carried out from other bases and airports and flights with helicopters in connection with the army’s and the navy’s exercises elements. Uniformed personnel and land vehicles will circulate outside the bases and airports.
Air exercise area during Aurora 23. Flights will also be carried out in other parts of Sweden, e.g. in connection with rapid readiness flights.
Photo: Försvarsmakten