Germany and Sweden are holding their first joint rapid reinforcement exercise for Gotland, the strategically vital Baltic island halfway between mainland Sweden and the Baltic states.

Germany and Sweden are holding their first joint rapid reinforcement exercise for Gotland, the strategically vital Baltic island halfway between mainland Sweden and the Baltic states.

Exercise Silver Votan (September 14-23) tests how quickly troops, ships, aircraft and air defense systems can cross the Baltic Sea, land in Visby and integrate with Swedish forces already defending the island.

The scenario: Sweden asks allies for help, Germany responds.