Sweden to host Baltic Operations (BALTOPS 22) NATO military exercise

Europe, News, US June 5, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

Sweden to host the 51st iteration of NATO’s annual Baltic Operations exercise (BALTOPS 22) from June 5 to 17 in the Baltic Sea, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby announced.

BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, it is one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among NATO allied and partner countries. This year, about 45 maritime units, 75 aircraft, and around 7,000 military personnel will participate in the exercise.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense release, “A total of 14 NATO nations, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States will participate” in BALTOPS 22. NATO partner nations Sweden and Finland, who have recently applied for NATO membership, will also participate in this year’s exercise.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said during a briefing that “[The exercise] provides a unique training opportunity that strengthens combined response capability and is critical to preserving the freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea region.”

“Participating nations will exercise a myriad of capabilities that demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces, including amphibious operations, gunnery, anti-submarine, air defense exercises, as well as mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations,” Kirby added.

The Pentagon press secretary also applauded Sweden’s efforts and said that “We’re grateful for their ability to lead and to host this year. It’s a big exercise, lots to get done, and I know they’re looking forward to it.”

^{From front to back, the U.S. Navy Supply-class fast-combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), the Royal Norwegian Navy Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate HNoMS Otto Suerdrup (F312), the German Navy Bremen-class frigate FGS Luebeck (F214), and the German Navy Rhone-Class replenishment oiler FGS Rhoen (A1443) sail in formation behind the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) while participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2020 in the Baltic Sea, June 8, 2020. (Image Credit: (U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kyle Steckler)}

As in previous iterations of BALTOPS exercises, air and maritime assets from NATO allies and partner nations will be involved in the live training events.

The participating states will work together to exercise medical evacuation, joint personnel recovery, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, amphibious operations, and maritime interdiction operations to strengthen the cohesion and capabilities of NATO allies and partners.

Baltic Operations 22 exercise will be executed by Striking Forces NATO and led by U.S. Sixth Fleet.