War games in Sweden
September will see the largest military exercise in Sweden since 1993. Politicians from many parties have agreed that Sweden needs to step up its military and defense budget and training.

With Gotland, Stockholm and the Port of Gothenburg seen as the most likely locations to suffer an attack or be of strategic military importance, Sweden will stage a series of exercises, named Aurora 17, to test and better prepare for military security of the country. All combat forces and more than 19,000 women and men, one quarter from Hemvärnet (the "Home Guard" - a civilian branch of Sweden's defense somewhat comparable to the reserve), will participate.

In order to strengthen the Swedish total defense capability, several authorities will also participate along with troups from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Lithuania, Norway and the U.S. Aurora 17 is the first defense force exercise and the largest national exercise for more than 20 years.

The exercise will be conducted in the air, on the ground and at sea. Troups throughout Sweden will be affected, but the largest areas of practice will be in the areas around Lake Mälaren and Stockholm, in and around Gotland and in Gothenburg.