Since Monday, an air defense battlegroup from the Halmstad Air Defense Regiment (Lv 6) has qualified air defense systems in the Gothenburg area as part of a readiness operation. An enhanced capability that means action and expanded defense of the airspace around the strategically important West Coast.
From the time they received the order until they were ready on site, the anti-aircraft battle group had very little time to prepare, transport, and assemble the 103rd (Patriot) anti-aircraft system and the 98th fire unit with support systems at various locations in the Gothenburg area.
“It is, above all, what separates a preparation operation from an exercise. The tight weather conditions, combined with the tactics and initiative of the mission, are real.
It is partly about being able to reinforce in one place as part of our readiness, but also about testing how quickly and effectively our units and capabilities can act in an acute situation,” says Fredrik Stålberg, deputy head of the directorate of operations of the Swedish Armed Forces, who leads the preparation operation.
Deterrent air defense
It is the first time that the 103 anti-aircraft system has been used in a contingency operation. This is a new and advanced system in the Armed Forces.
Together with fighter jets, combat command, airborne and ground surveillance means, and various sensors, air defense creates a deterrent defense that can deal with several airborne threats, such as cruise robots and ballistic missiles.
“A strong air defense includes capabilities of all the Armed Forces, and in this operation, we have quickly integrated protection against air attacks on the west coast and in the Gothenburg area,” says Peter Greberg, head of operations for the Air Force.
Together
During the preparation operation, various parts of the Armed Forces cooperated and supported each other. A wide network of different parties and supporting functions is needed to achieve full effects, such as transport, management and logistics, protection and surveillance.
“It’s an extensive operation to get everything working, and it has gone exactly as expected, which is to say, absolutely excellent. The units have solved the tasks and achieved the operational effects we wanted. A job well done, thanks to all the associations and civil authorities that have participated”, says Fredrik Stålberg.
The standby operation is complete, and the participating units will return to their home units.