Poles and Danes are training in Bornholm

The drills are set to include operations on land, at sea, and in the air. “The exercise will be handling various threats of both physical and hybrid nature,” the Danish Defence stated. The maneuvers will take place from May 8^th to 14^th. Civilians can expect an increased military presence in the area. Local police have appealed to residents and tourists to “remain calm if they encounter Polish paratroopers or see armored vehicles.” Low-altitude flights by military aircraft and drones are also expected.

The number of troops and the types of units involved have not been disclosed by the Danish side. Last year, the Danish government announced plans to establish an infantry unit on Bornholm consisting of between 500 and 900 soldiers. Until now, approximately 200 troops have been stationed on the island.

The exercises were also reported by the Polish General Command of the Armed Forces. The command communicates that soldiers from almost all branches of the armed forces are participating in the undertaking - artillerymen, soldiers from the 6th Airborne Brigade and the 2nd Reconnaissance Regiment, sailors, airmen, and Special Forces. „A key element will be the cooperation of Polish and Danish forces and the strengthening of security in the Baltic region. BALTIC SHIELD-26 is a demonstration of readiness, interoperability, and the ability to act together in response to contemporary threats.”

Running parallel to “Baltic Shield 2026” are large-scale exercises known as “Aurora 2026,” focusing, among other things, on the defence of Gotland. Alongside Gotland, Bornholm is the second strategically located island in the Baltic Sea. It lies approximately 400 kilometers from the Russian Kaliningrad Oblast.