As part of the ongoing Gotland Sentry exercise on Gotland, food, water, and ammunition were dropped from a CASA-295M aircraft of the 8th Airlift Base for Polish troops who have been training with Swedish forces for several days. “The Gotland Sentry exercise demonstrates interoperability, tempo, and the strength of the allies. A clear signal: Poland and Sweden are ready to defend,” the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces noted on X.
Exercises on Gotland as a demonstration of allied capabilities
The Operational Command of the Armed Forces, together with the Swedish Joint Forces Command, is conducting the first-ever bilateral Short Notice Exercise (SNEX) codenamed Gotland Sentry (GOSE).
SNEX (Short Notice Exercise) is a training activity characterized by a short lead time for the forces involved. Its purpose is to test their ability to accomplish missions within an imposed timeframe. The nature of an SNEX means there is no long planning period, actions are highly dynamic, and emphasis is placed on flexibility in command and interoperability. It is one of the most demanding forms of military training, verifying actual combat readiness.
The goal of the GOSE exercise is to demonstrate the capability of the Polish and Swedish armed forces to quickly deploy designated components by air, sea, and land, while also enhancing collective defense procedures. Another key element is strengthening interoperability and command capabilities in an international environment, as well as conducting an in-depth analysis of security challenges in the Baltic Sea region.
Gotland Sentry is the first SNEX exercise carried out bilaterally following the signing, on September 2 this year, of the defense cooperation agreement between Poland and Sweden. This document covers, among other things, joint operations in the Baltic Sea and the development of cooperation in defense technologies. Thanks to GOSE, Poland and Sweden are not only reinforcing their military relations but also sending a clear signal of deterrence and readiness for joint defense within the framework of the regional security architecture.
The exercise proves that the political partnership of the two states translates into practical operational actions. Of particular importance is the role of Sweden, one of NATO’s newest members, which is integrating into the allied security system at an impressive pace and actively participating in activities that strengthen regional stability.