The Swedish Armed Forces are conducting an extensive logistics exercise in Västernorrland, where the 2nd Naval Base Battalion from the Stockholm Amphibious Regiment, together with Home Guard units from the Northern Military Region and other total defence actors, are participating. The battalion exercise is named Nifelheim 2026 and runs from 23 March to 2 April.

The exercise focuses on logistics supply along the coast and is conducted at several different locations. Lieutenant Colonel Gustav Thörnblom, commander of the 2nd Naval Base Battalion and exercise leader for Nifelheim, emphasises the importance of this exercise to ensure the capability to deliver logistics to the Navy's various units regardless of the threat landscape.

– The battalion should be able to move to a new location on short notice and from there deliver everything from fuel, food, ammunition, and heavy weapon systems to both naval vessels and amphibious combat forces, he states in a press release.

The Swedish Armed Forces underline the significance of shipping for Sweden. Over 90 percent of the country's imports and exports pass through ports, and the majority of Swedish industry and population are located along the coast.

– In the Gulf of Bothnia and along the northern coast, shipping is increasing, and there are several important ports. The Swedish Armed Forces are exercising the capability to deliver logistics to all parts of the Navy along our coast, writes the Swedish Armed Forces in the press release.

Collaboration with the Police Authority and the Rescue Service during certain exercise moments is also significant.

– An important part of the exercise is to train together with Home Guard units from the Northern Military Region. The Police Authority and the Rescue Service will also participate during exercise moments, says Gustav Thörnblom.

The Stockholm Amphibious Regiment has a permanent presence in Västernorrland as they are responsible for the naval port in Härnösand (northern Sweden). This presence and activity are regularly expanded, for example through exercises like this one.

– The Swedish Armed Forces' other conditions in Härnösand contribute to very good conditions for training, exercising, and operating. Here, the collaboration with the Västernorrland Regiment (I 21) and the Västernorrland Group is particularly significant, says Gustav Thörnblom.

The battalion exercise Nifelheim 2026 takes place from 23 March to 2 April. It occurs in the Stockholm Archipelago from 23-27 March and in Västernorrland from 26-31 March.