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NATO troops train with HIMARS on Swedish holiday island

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NATO troops have undertaken joint military exercises in the Stockholm archipelago as part of Baltops 24 maneuvers.

HIMARS rocket launchers played a central role, with Swedish, Finnish, Dutch, British and U.S. soldiers practicing their use on the challenging terrain of the tourist island of Utoe.

David Saflind of the Stockholm Amphibious Regiment said: “The launchers were operated by US soldiers as in Sweden we do not have such equipment - however, it’s important that we practice transport, logistics and support together.”

Airlifted in from Alabama, the rocket launchers made the final leg of their journey from the mainland on military landing craft. “HIMARS launchers are relatively light, they can be easily and quickly moved in demanding terrain,” said Baltops 24 expert, Per Gottfridsson.

Patrik Gardesten, the Deputy Head of the Swedish Navy, noted this was the first time Sweden had participated in Baltops as a full NATO member. “This, of course, changes the conditions, the exercise is aimed at increasing our defense readiness and plays a deterrent role,” he said.

Continuing, he emphasized the importance of the region due to its role in international maritime trade.

Taking place from June 5 to 20, the U.S. led Baltops exercises will involve 12,000 troops from 19 NATO countries, including Poland.
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