In early April, the message came that the Armed Forces were canceling the planned giant exercise Aurora 20, which was supposed to be the largest defense exercise in 20 years and included about 25,000 participants, from 12 countries in addition to Sweden. The reason is the prevailing covid 19 pandemic.
Instead, Swenex 20 is being implemented, where approximately 400 soldiers and sailors on the West Coast are training to protect the port entrance.
Why did you choose to carry out this exercise, despite the corona pandemic?
- The Armed Forces must be able to defend Sweden and deal with severe pressures in civil society, otherwise there is no point in having a defense. Right now we do not mix units as we usually do and then we have a good follow-up on what happens if someone gets sick, says Major Marcus Appelgren.
Start the clip to watch the soldiers practice at Galterö, a strategic point for defending Gothenburg harbor.