Poland, Sweden launch first-ever joint drill in Baltic Sea

Poland and Sweden on Monday kicked off their first-ever joint short-notice military exercise, aimed at testing rapid deployment and strengthening collective defense in the Baltic Sea region.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz announced the start of the "Gotland Sentry" drill on the US social media platform X, stressing that it marks "the first joint undertaking of this kind by Poland and Sweden" and serves "for the security of the Baltic."

The exercise follows a bilateral defense cooperation agreement signed by the two countries on Sept. 2, which covers joint operations in the Baltic Sea and closer collaboration on defense technologies.

Poland's Operational Command (DORSZ) said the short-notice exercise (SNEX) is designed to demonstrate the ability of Polish and Swedish forces to move designated units quickly by air, sea, and land, the PAP news agency reported.

It also aims to deepen interoperability, strengthen command structures in an international setting, and assess security challenges in the Baltic region.

SNEX drills are carried out with minimal prior notice to test the forces’ ability to execute tasks within a set timeframe. The format is marked by a high operational tempo, flexible command structures, and limited planning, making it "one of the most demanding forms of military training," according to DORSZ.

The command added that the exercise demonstrates how the countries' political partnership translates into "practical operational activities."