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Once known for its decades of neutrality, Sweden has redirected millions of dollars towards bolstering its defenses in response to new threats, particularly from Russia. The reopening of military bases like the one on Gotland, which had been closed for years, is a testament to this shift. Military exercises now include large contingents of conscripts, which have dramatically increased from virtually zero to hundreds since 2020, with numbers expected to double in the coming years.
The troops stationed at Gotland are currently engaged in drills simulating an invasion. The military's aim is clear: to prepare for an attack that could come either from the air or the sea, with many defense analysts predicting that, if conflict escalates, Russian forces would likely target Gotland first.