Royal Navy to take part in Sweden's largest military drills in more than two decades

A Royal Navy task group is heading to the Baltic  – as the UK seeks to strengthen its commitment to northern European security.

HMS Albion is leading a task group of ships and Royal Marine commandos into the Baltic for an exercise designed to test Sweden's ability to counter an attack on the country.

Some 26,000 troops and 14 nations are lined-up for the training across the Nordic nation and the Royal Navy will be at the heart of it, carrying out amphibious drills, with high-readiness Royal Marines from 45 Commando.

• Royal Navy's offshore patrol vessel HMS Spey visits the Solomon Islands
• Royal Navy shares mine-hunting tactics with US and French counterparts
• Night missions and capsize drills: Royal Marines gear up for first deployments with 47 Commando

The training will be the largest Swedish national exercise of its kind in more than 25 years.

"Albion and the Littoral Response Group's last period of operations took us north to Arctic Norway, where we participated in a significant Joint Expeditionary Force exercise," said Captain Marcus Hember, Commanding Officer of HMS Albion.

"Our next period of operations is going to take us to the Baltic, where again we'll be exercising with allies and partners and demonstrating the UK and the Royal Navy's commitment to northern European security.

"Albion has embarked marines and a wide range of equipment from 45 Commando as well as from across the UK Commando Forces enterprise."

"We're looking forward to getting back out there and showing our commitment to security at this difficult time," Albion's Commanding Officer added.

The RAF and British Army are also involved in the drills, as Sweden changes its focus from international operations to national defence.

Lieutenant Colonel Paul Timmins, Commanding Officer of 4 Assault Squadron Royal Marines, said: "We are very much looking forward to forthcoming deployment which will both offer demanding amphibious training and rewarding port visits."

"Exercise Aurora will provide unique opportunities to further develop littoral strike capabilities for the UK Commando Force," he added.

The backdrop to the exercises is Finland's accession to Nato earlier this month.

Lieutenant Sarah Murrison, the Deputy Logistics Officer with Albion, said: "Continuing from last year with a busy ship's programme I am keen to explore new places and also to train with our partners in the Baltic region particularly with Finland's accession to Nato."