Largest military exercise since 1989: Need-to-know

The Västerbotten County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen) has issued a warning to the public ahead of a large-scale military exercise set to begin next week. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance while driving on roads where military vehicles may be present.

The County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen) advises county residents to plan for traffic delays during next week's military exercise. Image from the Aurora 17 defense exercise in September 2017. (Archive image).

The County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen) advises county residents to plan for traffic delays during next week's military exercise. Image from the Aurora 17 defense exercise in September 2017. (Archive image).

Foto: Jimmy Croona/Försvarsmakten

Västerbotten2023-04-14 17:57

During April 17th to May 11th, the military exercise Aurora 23 will take place in several locations around the country. Västerbotten county will have around 700 soldiers during what is the largest defense exercise in 25 years in Sweden.

The exercise will be noticeable by the disruption on the roads. Next week, military vehicles will travel south via the E4 and parts of the E45 in the county. This is expected to cause disruptions in traffic in the form of long convoys with slow-moving vehicles.

The County Administrative Board urges drivers to pay attention to signs and other instructions on these roads. They also advise to "keep an eye out and keep your distance if you meet them on the roads."

Previously, the Swedish Armed Forces had asked the public not to share images from the exercise on social media.

During the Aurora 23 military exercise, the County Administrative Board has issued traffic notices regarding the movement of heavy and wide military vehicles on the roads. 

These vehicles may sometimes drive in the middle of the road and at slower speeds than the posted limit. 

Road users are advised to respect this and avoid breaking the military column, which is illegal and risky.

Overtaking is allowed, but not at the expense of breaking the column. 

Drivers are also advised not to stress and plan their journeys in advance.