On June 5, a major multinational exercise begins in the Baltic Sea region. The maneuver is intended to offer "a unique training opportunity to strengthen joint responsiveness," it says.
Against the background of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, a large multinational maneuver will take place in the Baltic region under the leadership of the USA in the coming month. In addition to 14 NATO countries such as Germany, the partner countries Sweden and Finland would also take part in the annual maritime exercise "Baltops 22", said US Department of Defense spokesman John Kirby.
Sweden is the host of the maneuver this year, which is planned from June 5th to 17th. Because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sweden and Finland have applied for NATO membership. The maneuver has been taking place regularly in the Baltic Sea region since 1972.
Kirby said Baltops 22 would involve 45 naval units, 75 aircraft and around 7,000 soldiers. The maneuver "provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen joint responsiveness," which is critical to security in the Baltic Sea region.
Among other things, amphibious operations, anti-submarine warfare, air defense, mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, as well as diving and salvage operations would be practiced. Soldiers from Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, Great Britain and the USA are involved.
