NATO launches Baltic Sea maneuvers, with Sweden and Finland participating

(MENAFN) NATO has launched two-week naval exercises in the Baltic Sea as the area fortifies its defenses in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Prospective Nato allies Sweden and Finland are among the 16 nations participating in the BALTOPS 22 exercises, having submitted identical membership applications last month.

They will include over 7,000 soldiers, 75 aircraft, and 45 vessels, and will put Nato's amphibious operations, anti-submarine abilities, air defenses, and mine clearing to the test during a 10-day period.

The yearly maneuvers are not being staged specially to confront the Russian threat, but they are taking place as Nato seeks to reinforce its eastern flank and perhaps accept two new countries who confront Russia across the Baltic.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, all Nato members with Baltic coastlines, have declared increases in defense expenditure.

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