The Swedish Army has tasked the Air Defence Regiment (Lv 6) with setting up a detachment on Gotland from 1 July 2027, the Swedish Armed Forces announced. From then on, the Army will run continuous basic training of air defence units on the island.
— To handle the major growth in air defence, we need more people working in air defence, and training is the foundation for that, said Sofia Westermark, commanding officer of Lv 6 and the Swedish Armed Forces’ air defence inspector.
Air defence training already takes place at the Gotland Regiment (P 18), with staff from Lv 6. Lv 6 will take over responsibility when the detachment is established. Activities are to expand the following year. No figures for conscripts, staff or systems were given.
— Gotland’s strategic location and importance for NATO’s defence of the Baltic Sea region cannot be overstated, and strong air defence capability is extremely important for defending the island, said Andreas Gustafsson, commanding officer of P 18.
Training will cover brigade and territorial air defence. Brigade air defence companies protect an army brigade or battlegroup from air threats. Territorial air defence will be built up gradually across many locations. It will consist of short-range air defence and counter-drone systems.