# Swedish-Finnish mine clearance exercise underway in Västernorrland

- Source: Nordic Defence Sector (https://nordicdefencesector.com)
- Canonical URL: https://nordicdefencesector.com/en/article/swedish-finnish-mine-clearance-exercise-underway-in-vasternorrland
- Published: 2026-09-07 · Updated: 2026-11-05
- Type: News brief · Section: Maritime · Country: sweden
- Language: en — machine translation from sv; the sv version is authoritative: https://nordicdefencesector.com/sv/article/swedish-finnish-mine-clearance-exercise-underway-in-vasternorrland.md
- Also available in: de (https://nordicdefencesector.com/de/article/swedish-finnish-mine-clearance-exercise-underway-in-vasternorrland.md), dk (https://nordicdefencesector.com/dk/article/swedish-finnish-mine-clearance-exercise-underway-in-vasternorrland.md), es (https://nordicdefencesector.com/es/article/swedish-finnish-mine-clearance-exercise-underway-in-vasternorrland.md), fi (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fi/article/swedish-finnish-mine-clearance-exercise-underway-in-vasternorrland.md), fr (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fr/article/swedish-finnish-mine-clearance-exercise-underway-in-vasternorrland.md), it (https://nordicdefencesector.com/it/article/swedish-finnish-mine-clearance-exercise-underway-in-vasternorrland.md), no (https://nordicdefencesector.com/no/article/swedish-finnish-mine-clearance-exercise-underway-in-vasternorrland.md), pl (https://nordicdefencesector.com/pl/article/swedish-finnish-mine-clearance-exercise-underway-in-vasternorrland.md)
- Primary source: https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/om-forsvarsmakten/organisation/forsvarsgrenar-och-forband/marinen/var-vi-finns/fjarde-sjostridsflottiljen/nyheter/sakra-farleder-i-fokus-minrojningsovning-vid-norrlandskusten/

> Sweden and Finland are exercising joint mine clearance along the Norrland coast from 7 to 16 September 2026, with about ten vessels and elements against drone threats.

The Swedish and Finnish navies are conducting Mine Countermeasures Exercise North 2026 along the coast and shipping lanes in Västernorrland (central Sweden) between 7 and 16 September. [The Swedish Armed Forces state](https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/om-forsvarsmakten/organisation/forsvarsgrenar-och-forband/marinen/var-vi-finns/fjarde-sjostridsflottiljen/nyheter/sakra-farleder-i-fokus-minrojningsovning-vid-norrlandskusten/) that the exercise is led by the 42nd Mine Countermeasures Division, with participants from the Fourth Naval Warfare Flotilla, the Stockholm Amphibious Regiment and the Finnish Navy. A total of around ten vessels are taking part.

"By training the Swedish and Finnish navies together, we strengthen our joint capability and, by extension, NATO's overall capability in northern Europe," says Commander Anders Barrestedt, head of the 42nd Mine Countermeasures Division and exercise director for Mine Countermeasures Exercise North 2026.

During the exercise, defensive drills are also being carried out against various types of airborne targets, to train crews in close-in defence against threats including drones. Barrestedt emphasises that cooperation with the Stockholm Amphibious Regiment is crucial for being able to carry out tasks under conditions of heightened threat.

## FAQ

**When and where is Mine Clearance Exercise North 2026 conducted?**

Mine Clearance Exercise North 2026 takes place between 7 and 16 September along the coast and shipping lanes of Västernorrland. The exercise is led by the 42nd Mine Countermeasures Division and involves around ten vessels from the Swedish and Finnish navies. Last fact-checked: 2026-11-05.

**Who is participating in Mine Clearance Exercise North 2026?**

Participants in the exercise include the 42nd Mine Countermeasures Division, the Fourth Naval Warfare Flotilla, the Amphibious Regiment in Stockholm, and the Finnish Navy. In total, around ten vessels from the naval forces of both countries are taking part. Commander Anders Barrestedt is the exercise director. Last fact-checked: 2026-11-05.

**What is the purpose of Mine Clearance Exercise North 2026?**

The purpose is to strengthen the joint capability of the Swedish and Finnish navies, as well as NATO's overall capability in northern Europe. The exercise also includes defence elements against airborne targets, in order to train crews in close-in defence against threats such as drones. Last fact-checked: 2026-11-05.

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