This article was actually about the NATO manoeuvre Steadfast Defender 2024, which is currently appearing as a "keyword" on all news channels in Western and Central Europe. Actually - because on 7 March 2024, Sweden became the 32nd member of NATO when US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken handed over the certificate in Washington/DC. This is strategically no less important than the practical cohesion of troops and forces in the Alliance. In keeping with both events, there is spectacular footage of the Royal Navy from the North Norwegian Sea as an appropriately Nordic welcome backdrop, which we simply have to share with you. Welcome to Sweden!

You can read, hear and see everything you need to know about the security policy background and military contexts in the media. There is no need to repeat that here.

However, a little background on the NATO manoeuvre can't hurt: For being the largest and longest manoeuvre since ReForGer 88 (Return of Forces to Germany) towards the end of the Cold War, with 90,000 military personnel from all 31 NATO countries taking part - plus Sweden as a new member - it has also taken three years to plan. Nevertheless, it comes at a time when Ukraine is finding it increasingly difficult to defend itself against Russian pressure.

Aside from the obvious land and air warfare priorities, the British-led maritime manoeuvre component Joint Warrior 24-1 in the North and Norwegian Seas was an opportunity for the Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group to showcase itself - including the ships of four other nations. Its sister ship, the "Queen Elizabeth", was supposed to be in command, but is now lying in her home harbour licking her technical wounds.

To compensate, there are spectacular photos from the training area in northern Europe.

Northern lights over the carrier - there's no better way to welcome new member Sweden! And sailing in the icy Norwegian Sea couldn't either!