This week, the Armed Forces have for the first time conducted an exercise on Scanian soil to drill conscripts in the new high-tech air defense system.
"The strength of the system lies in the ability to operate against ballistic missiles. It's an ability we haven't had before," says Major Mats von Knorring of the Lv 6 anti-aircraft regiment in Halmstad.
Shooting ready in two years
The first Swedish Patriot missiles are scheduled to be ready for launch in 2025, in the meantime, attrappers are handled in the mobile missile fires at Rinkaby field.
"But the system is fully operational. We have trained personnel and would already be able to shoot sharp missiles, Major von Knorring told SVT Nyheter.
On the lookout for missiles and missiles
Agnes and Matilda both participate as conscripts.
"What is different from other exercises is that we work together in an entire battalion, it gives a much larger perspective," says Matilda Hansson from Malmö.
Agnes Ekegren, born in Höör, nods in agreement.
"We man a radar that searches the airspace for cruise missiles, missiles and the like. That information is passed on to the fire units as responsibility for fighting them, Agnes says.
See photos from the Patriot exercise and meet some of the conscripts in the clip.