German Reinforcement Operation on Gotland

A rapid reinforcement of Gotland has begun with German and Swedish military units. NATO’s operational plans are being put into practice, with the port of Visby secured as a first step so that additional troops and equipment can be transported to the island. The ability to defend ports in order to secure maritime and air transport across the Baltic Sea is crucial for both Sweden and Germany. It is a prerequisite for the countries’ armed forces to be able to move military units within NATO in order to protect and defend our territory.

“The operation now being conducted on Gotland is proof of the close cooperation we have with Germany, and that we are not standing alone in the defence of the Baltic Sea,” says Major General Stefan Sandborg, Deputy Chief of the Swedish Armed Forces Operations Command.

Friday’s operation on Gotland is an example of how this can be carried out. German forces escort, protect and facilitate the movement of Swedish coastal missile units to Gotland in order to strengthen the defence of the island and the Baltic Sea. At the same time, Swedish corvettes and German frigates, together with fighter aircraft from the respective countries’ air forces, have protected the sea and airspace to ensure a safe crossing.

“Last year, Poland practised reinforcing Gotland; this spring, the United States and Denmark moved troops to the island to protect the most important location in the defence of the Baltic Sea. Now we stand side by side with German soldiers on Gotlandic soil, united in NATO’s collective defence and in our commitment to protect one another against all the threats we face,” concludes Major General Stefan Sandborg.

The operation is a test of NATO’s plans to defend the Baltic Sea and Gotland. Once the activity has been completed, the military units will be transported back to their regular locations.