In view of the tensions between NATO and Russia, Sweden and NATO's defence plans were rehearsed with Operation Gotland Sentry.

Various scenarios involving the deployment of land, air and naval forces are intended to deter any kind of threat or possible attack. In addition to the Gotland Regiment stationed on site, paratroopers and coastal missile troops from Poland also took part in the exercise in September 2025. The Swedish island is the key to controlling the Baltic Sea, according to Swedish and Polish officers.

From the island, which lies like a giant aircraft carrier in the middle of the Baltic Sea, various long-range missile systems can be deployed to defend allies and at the same time deter Russia, according to Sweden's Vice Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum, Chief of Joint Operations.

Gotland, which is popular with tourists for its sandy beaches, plays a crucial role in maintaining free supply routes for NATO forces and merchant shipping in the Baltic Sea.

Deterrent potential

Demilitarised after the end of the Cold War, Sweden rebuilt its defence positions on the island in the face of an increasingly assertive Russia. Sweden reactivated the Gotland Regiment back in 2018 and has stationed surface-to-air missile batteries on the island and expanded other military infrastructure. Missile units on Gotland can cover almost the entire Baltic Sea, said Vice Admiral Krzysztof Jaworski, head of the Polish Navy, adding: "I would say this is important for every country in the Baltic Sea."

After decades of commitment to non-alignment, Sweden joined NATO in March 2024. Gotland is located around 170 kilometres south of the capital Stockholm and only around 250 kilometres from the home of the Russian Baltic Fleet in the exclave of Kaliningrad. It therefore dominates important sea routes and is of crucial importance for defence and supply - also for the Baltic states.

kdk, Baird Maritime