Baltic Sea on full alert. Swedish amphibious forces send strategic signal to Europe during Aurora 26

The Baltic Sea is no longer perceived as a quiet peripheral waterway of Europe. With Sweden’s accession to NATO, not only the political map of the region is changing, but also the practical balance of power at sea. The latest activities of the Stockholm Amphibious Regiment during exercise Aurora 26 demonstrate that the Nordic countries are building one of Europe’s most integrated and mobile coastal defence systems.

security navy worldwide nato news special forces

21 may 2026   |   11:53   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Bezav Mahmod / Hampus Andersson/ Forsvarsmakten

Sweden showcases a new operational doctrine

In an official statement, the Stockholm Amphibious Regiment announced joint operations conducted by the 2nd and 5th Amphibious Battalions during Aurora 26. One of the central elements of the exercise was a coordinated maritime movement to Korsö, a strategic point within the Stockholm archipelago, where soldiers conducted ceremonial and integration activities.

At first glance, the event may resemble a routine military exercise. In reality, however, it sends a clear strategic message.

Aurora 26 illustrates the direction in which Sweden is developing its deterrence strategy, one based on mobility, coastal control and interoperability with allied forces. Amphibious units are becoming a central pillar of this concept.

The Baltic Sea becomes a key NATO operational theatre

Only a few years ago, the Baltic Sea was viewed primarily as a regional trade corridor. Today, the strategic reality looks entirely different.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Baltic region has become one of Europe’s most important security zones. Finland and Sweden joined NATO, effectively connecting the Alliance’s northern flank into a single operational space.

In practical terms, this means increased NATO military presence in the Baltic, growing importance of port infrastructure, expanded coastal surveillance and reconnaissance systems, intensified maritime exercises, and stronger protection of shipping lanes and critical infrastructure.

For regional states, including Poland, the implications are both economic and strategic.

Swedish amphibious battalions. Fast, mobile and difficult to detect

CB90 (Stridsbåt 90) vessels are fast assault and transport craft used by Swedish amphibious forces for operations in coastal and archipelagic environments. Their high speed, manoeuvrability and shallow-water capability make them a crucial component of Sweden’s coastal defence concept.

These platforms enable rapid troop deployment, reconnaissance support and operations in contested littoral zones. Similar vessels are also used by Polish Special Forces.

Today, Swedish amphibious units are considered among Europe’s most specialised coastal warfare formations.

Their primary missions include defending archipelagos, securing access to ports, countering enemy landings, conducting reconnaissance operations and protecting critical infrastructure.

The units rely heavily on Stridsbåt 90 combat boats capable of transporting troops at high speed between islands and coastal areas.

Mobility has become the defining factor. Modern maritime warfare in the Baltic is no longer based solely on large warships. Increasingly important are small, hard-to-detect and highly flexible platforms capable of operating effectively in littoral environments.

Poland is also investing in CB90 capabilities

The introduction of CB90 vessels into Poland’s Special Forces demonstrates that Warsaw is also adapting to the operational realities of the Baltic Sea. The new boats were delivered to the naval special operations unit Formoza, where they are expected to strengthen maritime and coastal special operations capabilities.

The vessels enable rapid insertion of operators, boarding missions, counterterrorism operations and protection of critical infrastructure, including LNG terminals, ports and offshore installations.

For Formoza, the acquisition also means expanded interoperability with Nordic and NATO forces using similar littoral warfare concepts and platforms.

Korsö a symbol of the strategic archipelago

The choice of Korsö as a focal point for joint activities was far from accidental.

For decades, the Stockholm archipelago has been one of the key elements of Sweden’s coastal defence strategy. Hundreds of islands, narrow passages and natural cover zones create ideal conditions for asymmetric operations and maritime traffic control.

Korsö itself has long been connected with Swedish military infrastructure and the archipelago defence system.

For amphibious forces, this environment is a natural operational domain.

In the event of a regional crisis, such areas could play a crucial role in securing port access routes, maintaining freedom of navigation, protecting energy infrastructure and limiting hostile maritime activity.

NATO builds a "Northern Shield" in Europe

Aurora 26 is part of a much broader strategic transformation.

Following NATO’s enlargement with Finland and Sweden, the Alliance gained the ability to establish an almost continuous defence system around the Baltic Sea. Security analysts increasingly refer to the emerging concept as NATO’s "Northern Shield", linking Scandinavia, the Baltic region and Europe’s eastern flank.

Within this framework, Sweden plays a critical role in controlling the central Baltic, Finland secures the northern direction, Poland serves as the region’s primary logistical hub, while the Baltic states remain the first line of deterrence.

Joint amphibious exercises are designed to improve rapid response capabilities and operational integration across allied forces.

Ports and maritime infrastructure gain strategic importance

For the maritime and port sectors, the changing security environment carries not only military implications, but also economic ones.

Growing NATO activity translates into increased investments in ports, expansion of dual-use infrastructure, development of logistics terminals, modernisation of security systems and higher volumes of military vessel traffic.

Ports across the Baltic region are increasingly becoming part of Europe’s strategic security infrastructure.

This trend is visible in Poland, Sweden, Finland and the Baltic states alike.

"Through strength, we keep war away"

The slogan used by Swedish soldiers — “Genom styrka håller vi kriget borta” (“Through strength, we keep war away”) — accurately reflects the current security philosophy of the region.

For Nordic countries, deterrence is no longer based solely on political declarations. Real operational capabilities, joint training and readiness for multi-domain operations are becoming the decisive factors.

Aurora 26 is more than just a military exercise. It is a demonstration of the Baltic Sea’s new security reality.

Buy us a coffee, and we’ll invest in great maritime journalism! Support Gazeta Morska and help us sail forward – click here!

NATO wojska amfibijne bezpieczeństwo morskie marynarka wojenna szwecji saab CB90

gallery

---

comments

---

enter content

COMMENT

nick

Add the first comment