Swedish combat vehicles and Dutch Apache helicopters simulate an attack at Revingehed in Skåne as part of the major Aurora 26 exercise. The drill involves 18,000 participants from Sweden and allies, running until May 13. Russia's war in Ukraine drives the heightened Nato focus.
At Revingehed outside Lund, shots and the roar of tanks and Dutch Apache helicopters echo during the Våreld drill, part of Aurora 26. Swedish units attack supported by a French brigade reconnaissance company. The exercise, from April 27 to May 13, tests Nato operational plans with 18,000 soldiers, officers, and civilians, including 1,500 from twelve allied nations.
Viceamiral Ewa Skoog Haslum, visiting the exercise, states: "Russia's war against Ukraine has put us in the worst security situation since the Second World War." She stresses training for the worst-case scenario and signals to Russia: "Don't attack us because we are pretty good."
Defence Minister Pål Jonson (M) highlights the buildup: "We must use the years when Russia is stuck in Ukraine to build up." Sweden is raising its defence budget to 3.5 percent of GDP by 2030, with recent 50 billion kronor air defence purchases.
In Höganäs harbour, 30 combat boats from Älvsborgs amphibious battalion with 300 soldiers test movements from the west to east coast. Battalion commander Robin Johansson says: "We are testing live operational plans." The exercise incorporates Ukraine lessons like drones and electronic warfare, with Ukrainian soldiers advising.
