The Swedish Armed Forces are leading Aurora 26, a large-scale military exercise designed to practice Sweden's operational plans as a NATO ally, according to Trafikverket Gotland. The exercise involves 16,000 Swedish personnel and 1,500 from allied countries, with a total of approximately 18,000 participants, as reported by multiple major media sources. The purpose, according to Helena Sundberg, regional director at Trafikverket, is to increase cooperation capability and strengthen the defense of southern Sweden.
International participation includes troops from the United States, United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Ukraine, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Canada, and France, according to major media reports. Ukrainian drone operators are participating to train with Swedish forces, following their involvement in the Estonian exercise Hedgehog 25, where they reportedly easily defeated large NATO units. The Netherlands is contributing five Apache attack helicopters, which will fly low over Skåne, as confirmed by Marcus Nilsson, communication chief at P7.
The purpose is to increase cooperation capability and strengthen the defense of southern Sweden.
The exercise will be conducted in the air, on land, and at sea over large parts of Sweden, but will be most noticeable in southern Sweden and on and around Gotland, according to official sources. Coastal land areas near Stockholm's northern and southern archipelago, such as Norrtälje and Nynäshamn, will also be affected. Military transports will affect traffic in Jämtland, southern Sweden, and Gotland, and the exercise includes shooting exercises at Hagshult air base and in the Alunda area, as stated by Försvarsmakten. The army, navy, air force, and Home Guard are all involved, and the exercise started on Sunday, April 27, in Sundsvall with reloading of military vehicles.
Trafikverket has participated in the planning and has a clear picture of which routes will be affected, according to the agency. Trafikverket contributes by maintaining its regular mission and flexibly supporting the Armed Forces' transport needs during the period. The public is advised to plan ahead and expect longer travel times during Aurora, to follow temporary signage and information about restrictions, and to check current traffic information on Trafikverket's website and via P4 Sveriges Radio. Helena Sundberg advised: "Keep distance, stay calm, and do not hinder, disturb, or break a military column." She also urged the public not to share pictures of military vehicles or equipment on social media, as it could help an adversary in a real situation.
Keep distance, stay calm, and do not hinder, disturb, or break a military column.
Total defense consists of both civil defense and military defense, according to official sources. At highest readiness and in war, total defense includes all societal activities that must be conducted. Ensuring that healthcare and transport function during heightened readiness and war is an important part of civil defense and total defense, according to Trafikverket Gotland. Trafikverket is one of Sweden's 60 emergency preparedness authorities and is the sector-responsible authority for the transport sector. Its mission includes leading the coordination of measures within the transport sector before and during peacetime crises and heightened readiness.
Related exercises include Mighty Arrow 26, taking place in Niinisalo, Finland, with 2,800 soldiers and 500 vehicles, involving troops from Finland, Estonia, and Lithuania, and featuring CV9035 assault tanks and BOXER armored vehicles, according to major media reports. Mighty Arrow 26 ends on May 9. Additionally, on February 15–17, 2025, the Swedish Armed Forces conducted an exercise around the Riksdag in cooperation with the Riksdag Administration, as part of a larger exercise called Birger Jarl, conducted in several places in Stockholm. Some 2,000 people from the Home Guard, Kings Guard Battalion, other units from the Armed Forces, and civilians participated in Birger Jarl. The Swedish Armed Forces have previously conducted exercises around the Riksdag, most recently in the autumn of 2021.
Do not share pictures of military vehicles or equipment on social media, as it could help an adversary in a real situation.
Västerbotten county had around 700 soldiers during Aurora 23, which was the largest defense exercise in 25 years in Sweden at that time. The Swedish Armed Forces’ exercises are often based on simulations of events to prepare for attack on Sweden or participation in international conflict zones. International exercises are essential for developing interoperability with other nations' armed forces.
There are some uncertainties regarding the exact number of participating nations, with some sources stating 12 and others 13. Additionally, a norran.se article references Aurora 23 from 2023, which may be outdated or mislabeled, potentially confusing the current exercise. The specific routes and areas most affected by traffic disruptions have not been fully detailed, and the impact on civilian airspace and flights remains unclear. The role of Ukrainian drone operators in Aurora 26 is also not fully specified.