During a dramatic and well-coordinated event at the naval base Berga near Stockholm, the Scandinavian monarchs, King Carl Gustaf of Sweden and King Frederik of Denmark, witnessed an extensive military exercise. The event, which took place during an official state visit, included everything from explosions to gunfire with blank rounds as part of a demonstration of Swedish military capabilities. The two kings, wearing camouflage uniforms and earplugs, stood side by side and observed the exercise from the coastline. They could see green smoke bombs and camouflaged soldiers stealthily moving along the water’s edge, simulating an attack maneuver. Swedish assault boats of the Combat Boat 90 type, which have also been donated to Ukraine, took part in the exercise, carrying out attacks on simulated targets.
King Frederik, who himself has a background in the Danish Navy’s frogman corps, closely followed the performance of the Swedish attack divers, a group comparable to the Danish corps. He reflected on his own training and the challenges he faced, and how it has shaped him as a person. After the initial land demonstration, the royal guests were escorted on board a Swedish corvette. From there, they continued their experience at sea, where they were presented with further military exercises. Two corvettes performed high-speed maneuvers close to the kings’ ship, and a mine explosion was detonated near the coast, creating large splashes of water. Among the prominent guests were Denmark’s Minister of Defense, Troels Lund Poulsen, and Minister of Business, Morten Bødskov, both of whom participated in the event and observed the exercises alongside the royal couple.
This day at the naval base not only provided an insight into the Swedish defense capabilities but also strengthened the diplomatic and military ties between Sweden and Denmark.