Politico: NATO strengthens defence of Gotland in Baltic Sea

NATO and Sweden are strengthening military infrastructure on the island of Gotland, viewing it as a key strategic asset for deterring potential threats from Russia.

According to Politico, the island, located in the middle of the Baltic Sea, lies only about 300 kilometres from Kaliningrad. Amid growing concerns over Russian aggression, hybrid attacks, and perceived US hesitation on European security, Sweden and its NATO allies are rapidly working to turn Gotland back into a military stronghold.

Last week, Sweden concluded its first large-scale joint exercises with NATO on Gotland after joining the alliance in 2024. Around 18,000 troops from 13 countries participated in the drills.

“With the range and position of today’s [weapons] systems, if you control Gotland, you can control much of what’s going on in the Baltic Sea,” said Niklas Granholm, deputy director at the Swedish Defence Research Agency.

Due to its geographical position, Gotland is often referred to as an “unsinkable aircraft carrier,” as it is seen as a convenient platform for air operations in the region. Fighter jets operating from the island can reportedly reach any Baltic capital within minutes.