Baltops 25 involves 16 NATO countries and includes more than 50 ships, over 25 aircraft, and around 9,000 personnel. The exercise is jointly planned by participating nations and led by the United States Sixth Fleet.
Sweden’s participation provides its submarine crew with a vital opportunity to develop key operational capabilities. It also strengthens NATO’s ability to lead Swedish submarines and contributes to wider alliance objectives.
“With Swedish submarines capable of operating fully integrated under NATO command, combined with over a century of experience in the Baltic Sea region, we becomes even sharper and more resilient – and the Alliance even stronger,” said Paula Wallenburg, Commander of the First Submarine Flotilla.
The exercise enhances both deterrence and security in the Baltic Sea during a period of heightened regional tension. Sweden, which has participated in Baltops since the mid-1990s, brings long-standing experience and capability to the exercise.
Since 1972, Allies and partners have conducted Baltops to strengthen collective defence in the region. This year’s iteration places emphasis on interoperability between naval, amphibious, special operations, and air forces.
A new feature of Baltops 25 is the integration of unmanned systems across various warfare domains and functions. This addition aims to improve cooperation and effectiveness in complex operational environments.
The exercise also underlines the Alliance’s shared responsibility in safeguarding communication and trade routes. “Today, our economies, lives, and shared interests are more intertwined than ever,” the Swedish Armed Forces noted.
Baltops 25 concludes in Kiel on 20 June, marking the end of a key training event that supports stability and resilience in the Baltic Sea area.
