The strategic importance of the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea has become a central focus for NATO and its allies, particularly following Sweden’s recent accession to the alliance. Military exercises like Operation Gotland Sentry highlight the island’s critical role in regional defense and deterrence against Russia.
Key Strategic Role
The island is universally viewed by Swedish and Polish officers as a vital military asset:
- “Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier”: It is geographically positioned to dominate the vital sea and air lanes across the Baltic Sea, which is crucial for controlling movement and securing the entire region.
- Proximity to Kaliningrad: It lies just 300 km (186 miles) from the home of Russia’s Baltic Fleet in the heavily militarized exclave of Kaliningrad.
- Reinforcement Corridor: The island is essential for NATO logistics, as its control would be crucial to maintain free supply routes necessary to send troops and supplies to reinforce the nearby Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia).
- Deterrence and Defense Platform: Its location allows for the effective deployment of long-range missile systems, such as Sweden’s RBS-15, to defend allies and deter potential attacks from the East.
Military Buildup and Readiness
After being demilitarized following the Cold War, Sweden has rapidly rebuilt its defenses on the island in response to rising tensions:
- Regiment Reactivation: The army’s Gotland Regiment was reactivated in 2018.
- Weapon Systems: Ground-to-air missile batteries have been placed on the island, and military infrastructure has been reinforced.
- NATO Integration: Sweden joined NATO in March 2024, ensuring that the island’s defense is now backed by the full collective security commitment of the alliance.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Reuters
