#nato #russia #russiavsukraina #ukrainarussia
NATO’s newest member Sweden has been hosting US Marines and Polish soldiers for exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2024. The mainly maritime-focused exercise takes place every year in the Baltic region. This part of the exercise took place on land on the Swedish archipelago of Gotland. Overall, more than 20 NATO Allies, including 50 ships and dozens of aircraft, participated in BALTOPS. This year was particularly notable as it marked Sweden’s first participation as a full NATO member.
BALTOPS allows Allies to practise collective deterrence and defence at sea. The Baltic Sea region is crucial to protect because of its trade and energy routes. The exercise is led by US Naval Forces Europe-Africa and the US Sixth Fleet. Command and control is carried out by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO). Footage includes shots of Swedish and Polish soldiers and US Marines exercising with Swedish combat vehicles (CV90s). The soundbite is from Colonel Dan Rasmussen, Commander of the Swedish Gotland Regiment.
#nato #sweden #poland #military #usmilitary y
