High ground on submarine hunting during a major exercise in the Baltic Sea

Everything from air defense to submarine hunting needs to be improved. The annual Balltops military exercise is now underway off the coast of Estonia. This time with the participation of a Swedish submarine from HMS Uppland.

The exercise format is a well-established one. Since 1972, within the framework of the Partnership for Peace, the Baltic Sea has operated under the same name. This year 6,000 military personnel, 50 ships and 45 aircraft are deployed from countries around the Baltic Sea and seven NATO member states.

Although Sweden has participated in training cooperation since the 90s, there is much that is new this year when it deploys the submarine HMS Uppland. After all, Sweden is sending a team where many are doing their first international training.

– These exercises strengthen our interoperability and give the crew good experience in advanced submarine hunting. We are all looking forward to this challenge and we are waiting to grow into one of the sharpest units in the Baltic Sea – despite our round nose, says ship manager Viktor Moberg with a smile on his face.

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The format of the exercise is complex and, according to the ship’s commander, it is highly valuable to train alongside forces as detailed as those at Balltops.

Sweden also contributes with other personnel

Apart from HMS Uppland and her crew, they send support and personnel from Sweden armed forces. These are stationed, among others, on the USS Mount Whitney, one of two amphibious command ships, as well as the flagship of the US Sixth Fleet.

The exercise has already started on June 4th and will continue until the 16th. It starts in Tallinn and ends in Kiel after sailing for several days at sea.

In addition to countries around the Baltic Sea, participating: England, Netherlands, France, Spain, Portugal, Romania and USA.

The video contains clips of press visits during Balltops 2023.