Royal Marines from 45 Commando and Swedish Coastal Rangers have teamed up in the Baltic Sea during Exercise BALTOPS.
This marks Sweden’s first participation in BALTOPS as a NATO member, highlighting a new era of military cooperation.
Royal Marines from X-Ray Company, 45 Commando, and 4 Assault Squadron Royal Marines, partnered with the Swedish Coastal Rangers, Kustjägarna. The forces conducted a daring raid on a small Swedish island using Stridsbåt 90 H (Combat Boat 90 Half – CB90H) fast military assault craft.
Royal Marines & Swedish Coastal Rangers Sharpened Skills in Stockholm Archipelago
As part of #NATO‘s #BALTOPS24 , 🇬🇧🇸🇪 master their advanced raiding tactics in this intricate landscape, strengthening Baltic security & showcasing exceptional teamwork! pic.twitter.com/DspG9z41du
— NATO Allied SOF Command (SOFCOM) (@NATO_SOF) June 27, 2024
Stationed at Berga Naval Base, X-Ray Company and the Swedish Coastal Rangers undertook a series of rigorous training exercises. These included interoperability training, Live Fire Tactical Training, and littoral raiding.
The exercises were aimed at honing their skills and ensuring seamless coordination in the challenging archipelagic terrain of Sweden.
Exercise BALTOPS is an annual military exercise that sees the participation of various NATO member states, including the United Kingdom. Held by the Commander of United States Naval Forces Europe since 1971, BALTOPS is designed to strengthen international military partnerships.
The exercise trains forces in gunnery, anti-submarine warfare, radar tracking and interception, mine countermeasures, and maritime security. Sweden’s involvement in BALTOPS as a NATO member underscores the growing strength of the alliance post -Ukraine.
This exercise demonstrates the commitment of NATO forces to maintaining readiness and interoperability, ensuring they are prepared to respond to potential real-world crises.
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Huh,…Swedish Coastal Rangers, Kustjagarna. Who knew? Equivalent of RM?
Small point, but it’s X Coy – you say X-Ray because of the phonetic alphabet, but you don’t write it.
Ooo, good spot.
I was thinking that – but then I thought not everybody knows to pronounce it that way – in fact I didn’t if I’m honest!!