US and Swedish forces conduct high-stakes rescue training in Arctic Sweden
The region’s dense forests, swamps, and hills created demanding conditions that tested mobility, extraction methods, and adaptability in real-world scenarios
In the rugged terrain of northern Sweden, the US Air Force’s 57th Rescue Squadron (RQS) joined Swedish Air Force Rangers for intensive personnel recovery training between 30 March and 14 June. Originally scheduled as part of the Arctic Challenge Exercise, the mission evolved into a focused bilateral operation aimed at refining recovery capabilities in one of Europe’s most strategically important regions.
“This exercise focuses on traditional personnel recovery – retrieving simulated downed pilots or isolated personnel from contested areas and safely reintegrating them into friendly forces,” said Staff Sergeant Drew Guerra, a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) joint terminal attack controller with the 57th RQS.
Operating out of Aviano, Italy, the 57th RQS deployed a compact team of TACP, intelligence, communications, and survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) specialists to Ronneby, Sweden. Together with the Swedish Rangers, they ran full-mission profiles, developing tactics for counter-UAS threats and complex infiltration scenarios.
“We like to have [the 57th RQS] join us on as many occasions as possible, and vice versa,” said Master Sgt Rasmus Antonsson, Swedish Air Force Ranger Troop Chief. “We aim to train and compete with the best, and to us, that is the US Air Force.”
The region’s dense forests, swamps, and hills created demanding conditions for air and ground teams alike, testing mobility, extraction methods, and adaptability in real-world scenarios.
“We have a great history of integration with Sweden and are always grateful for the opportunity to work with our northern allies,” added Technical Sgt Matthew Doyle, 57th RQS SERE Specialist. “Their constant professionalism and willingness to exchange lessons learned is a testament to our seamless partnership.”
With Sweden’s proximity to the Arctic and the Baltic Sea, the training strengthens allied readiness and reinforces regional security through a unified and agile response force.
The Swedish Maritime Administration (Sjöfartsverket) recently announced plans to close two of its five helicopter search and rescue (SAR) bases.
Chloe Fox
Chloe Fox is an Senior Editorial Assistant for Voyageur Group, joining in 2024. She writes for AirMed&Rescue and ITIJ, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision, and air medical transportation. Chloe holds a BA (Hons) in English and an MA in English Literature from the University of Bristol.