Sweden increases military activities in Baltic Sea island amid NATO-Russia tensions

Europe, News January 15, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

Sweden’s military is stepping up its activities on the Baltic Sea island of Gotland amid rising tensions between NATO and Russia.

According to the Swedish military sources, the move is in response to Russia’s recent deployment of landing craft in the Baltic Sea. Sweden’s military is closely monitoring Russian Northern Navy’s deployment in the region.

From January 13, Swedish soldiers have been patrolling the port and airport in Gotland’s main town of Visby. On January 14, Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet published a video of armored combat vehicles patrolling the harbor of Visby.

Swedish Armed Forces Operations Manager, Lieutenant General Leif Michael Claesson said in a statement that “the security situation in our immediate area has been serious for a long time and the recent development of events has further strengthened that picture.”

Claesson further stated that “It does not have to mean an increased threat, but we always adapt to the prevailing situation.”

“We will operate in the air, at sea, below the surface and on the ground in different ways and in different geographical locations,” Claesson added.

According to Claesson, some of the activities of the Swedish Armed Forces will be observable on the strategically important island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, while others will not be visible.

The Swedish Armed Forces conducting a high readiness action in the south-eastern and southern Baltic Sea in August 2020. (Image Credit: Joel Thungren/Swedish Armed Forces) — *^{The Swedish Armed Forces conducted a high readiness action in the south-eastern and southern Baltic Sea in August 2020. (Image Credit: Joel Thungren/Swedish Armed Forces)}*

Sweden’s largest island, Gotland, holds significance due to its strategically important location. The island is located approximately 330 kilometers (205 miles) northwest of the heavily militarized Russian Baltic Fleet’s headquarters, Kaliningrad.

According to Lt. Gen. Michael Claesson, the Swedish armed forces are also operating in other parts of the country amid Russia’s recent deployments in the region, but he declined to comment further on the issue.

Earlier in 2019, Sweden also deployed an updated surface-to-air missile defense system on the island.