Poland and Sweden Launch Historic Joint Military Drills 'SNEX Gotland Sentry' in Baltic Sea

Historic Joint Drills Underway in Baltic Sea

Poland and Sweden have initiated their inaugural bilateral military exercises, dubbed 'SNEX Gotland Sentry,' in the Baltic Sea. The drills, which began on Monday, September 22, 2025, mark a significant step in deepening defense cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the context of heightened regional security concerns. Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced the commencement of the exercises on social media, stating, 'Poland and Sweden together for the security of the Baltic Sea.'

The 'SNEX Gotland Sentry' exercises are a direct outcome of a defense cooperation agreement signed between Poland and Sweden on September 2, 2025. This agreement outlined plans for joint operations in the Baltic Sea and enhanced collaboration in defense technologies.

Objectives and Strategic Importance

The primary objectives of 'SNEX Gotland Sentry' are multifaceted, focusing on strengthening the collective defense capabilities of both countries. According to the Polish Operational Command (DORSZ), the exercises aim to:

• Demonstrate the ability of the Polish and Swedish armed forces to rapidly deploy dedicated components by air, sea, and land.
• Refine collective defense procedures.
• Deepen interoperability and strengthen command capabilities in an international environment.
• Conduct a thorough analysis of security challenges in the Baltic Sea region.

The exercises are designed to send 'a clear signal of deterrence and readiness for joint defence' of the Baltic Sea. The operational command of Poland's armed forces described the SNEX format, or 'short notice exercise,' as 'one of the most demanding forms of military training, checking actual combat readiness.' This format involves minimal advance warning to test the forces' ability to execute tasks with 'high operational dynamism and an emphasis on command flexibility and interoperability.'

Gotland's Pivotal Role and Regional Context

The drills are taking place in the Baltic Sea, a region whose strategic importance has become 'crucial in the current security environment.' Specifically, the operation was launched on the strategically vital Swedish island of Gotland, which has gained increased significance in NATO's regional defense posture following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Sweden's recent accession to NATO in 2024 further underscores the enhanced security cooperation in the region, with its geographical position and military assets significantly strengthening the alliance's ability to carry out operations in Northern Europe.

The timing of these exercises also follows recent security incidents in the region. On September 10, more than 20 Russian drones reportedly violated Polish airspace, and Russian fighter jets breached the security zone of the Petrobaltic drilling platform in the Baltic Sea. In response, British Typhoon fighter jets, supported by a Voyager tanker, conducted patrols as part of NATO's Eastern Sentry operation to strengthen Europe's eastern flank.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Regional Security

The 'SNEX Gotland Sentry' exercises demonstrate that the political partnership between Poland and Sweden is translating into 'practical operational activities.' This collaboration is seen as a crucial element in reinforcing the security architecture of the Baltic Sea region, showcasing the unity and determination of both nations to defend the area and its inhabitants.