The military plans defense training with 25,000 participants

Countries have closed their borders and are urging their citizens not to spend time in large groups because of the risk of being infected by the coronavirus. The Swedish Armed Forces plan to carry out a major defense exercise, larger than its predecessor in 2017, which was then the largest of its kind in more than 20 years.

- We plan Aurora for it to be implemented in full force, but our field hospitals will not be used for they are currently being used sharply in support of the National Board of Health, says Marcus Nilsson, Head of Communications for the Southern Skåne Regiment P7 in Revingehed.

How important is it to do the exercise in these coronation times?

- When society is in crisis, the defense must be strongest, says Marcus Nilsson.

He says there is good preparedness to take care of those who get sick during an exercise.

- In all exercises we have a medical facility. If someone gets stomach upset or the like, you will be isolated, says Marcus Nilsson.

The exercise, which was named "Aurora 20", is scheduled to take place between May 11 and June 4 and has a time frame of 25 days for endurance to be practiced as well. The cost is estimated at approximately SEK 660 million.

During the exercise, the army, navy, air force, regional staffs, home defense and military units from other countries will participate. The US and Finland have said that they will send the most participants. Canada has announced that they are withdrawing. About 25,000 people are expected to participate in the exercise.

In many parts of the world, travel and curfews are prohibited.

On April 6, the Swedish Armed Forces will announce whether "Aurora 20" will be implemented as planned, lost or otherwise changed.

- We continue planning as usual until then. All agreements with the landowners concerned are signed and all have been positive, says Marcus Nilsson.

The public, landowners and residents, mainly in Blekinge and parts of south-east Sweden will notice during periods and in some cases also affected by the exercise, the Swedish Defense Forces announces on its website.