Danish and Polish troops begin large-scale Baltic Shield military exercise on Bornholm

The Danish National Police have urged residents and visitors on the island of Bornholm to carry on as normal as a major joint military exercise, Baltic Shield, begins this week, involving Danish and Polish forces training to defend the island and wider Baltic Sea region.

The operation, which runs until 14 May, will see low-flying helicopters and aircraft, armoured vehicles on public roads, drone activity, and paratrooper deployments, authorities confirmed. Military hardware, including unmarked vans and armoured personnel carriers, has already been transported to the island in recent days, DR reports.

Steen Nørskov, Bornholm’s chief police inspector, advised the public to “act as you always do” if they encounter troops or military equipment. “Authorities are coordinating the effort and will share updates continuously so people feel secure,” he said, encouraging residents and tourists to follow local media and P4 Bornholm radio for real-time information.

The most visible activity will centre on Rønne Harbour and the Raghammer military firing range near Bornholm Airport, police stated, without providing further specifics. The exercise coincides with Sweden’s larger Aurora 2026 drills—including war-game scenarios in southern Sweden near Ystad and Malmö—and a concurrent NATO command-post exercise focused on Baltic Sea security.

Drills may cause temporary road closures, and troops could be seen in urban areas, mirroring activities on Gotland and in parts of southern Sweden.