German units join NATO operation to reinforce Gotland

German military units arrived on Gotland on Friday as part of a reinforcement operation with the Swedish Armed Forces, SVT reports. The operation tests NATO plans for defending the island.

“This is not an ordinary exercise. The operation is being carried out for real, and the forces are protecting the transport with live weapons,” said Manne Fagerström of the Swedish Armed Forces’ operations command.

Swedish and German soldiers will secure Visby harbour. The operation involves rapidly transporting military systems to Gotland aboard a transport vessel, escorted by German and Swedish naval vessels and fighter aircraft. The ferry is carrying air-defence capabilities, among other equipment.

“Security and protection are an important part of what the German forces contribute,” Fagerström said.

The operation, named OP SIWO, is being conducted under extensive security measures. The Swedish Police Authority is running a separate police operation, including drone patrols over Gotland during the week.

Documents obtained by SVT say there is an elevated threat level linked to OP SIWO, but no specific threats have been identified. The police attribute the assessment to the tense international situation and the large number of participants, as well as concerns about sabotage and unauthorised intelligence gathering by a foreign power.

Similar operations have previously been carried out, including the airborne deployment of Polish troops on the island last autumn.