Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) and Partners wrapped up Sweden’s defence exercise Aurora 23 on May 14, 2023, in southern Sweden. The exercise was designed to reinforce the collected capability of all service branches and other armed forces to counter an armed attack on Sweden. The exercise included several demanding operations concluding with the 1stDivision successfully defending home territory.
“This visit has allowed me to see not only a wide range of capabilities, but also to meet commanders at the highest level, through to the fighting soldier on the ground. Meeting the mechanized company command post staff, and the Swedish tank armour crews has completely reinforced to me how professional and well trained these personnel are in their respective combat arms. By engaging with these fighting troops in the field, I have also been fortunate enough to meet many Swedish conscripts who not only are very aware about the importance of the Aurora 23, but are enthusiastic, extremely professional and a credit to the Swedish Armed Forces,” said Rear Admiral Bruåsdal.
Deputy Chief of Staff Partnerships Directorate, Rear Admiral Gunnstein Bruåsdal, was able to meet at close quarters many personnel carrying out the last phase as they pushed the enemy back. As throughout all operational phases of Exercise Aurora 23, the last element provided free flowing manoeuvres where commanders exercised their command and control procedures during a sustained fast moving battle tempo.
The last part of the exercise included the vital recovery phase where both the Swedish armed forces and the contributing nations prepared all equipment for the controlled movement back to their respective bases. Those travelling back to the North of Sweden under went further enablement logistic tasks and controlled air, sea and land movements before successfully finishing on May 14. According to the evaluation report, the exercise was skilfully commanded, and cooperation with the live operational command has worked seamlessly.
