Royal Navy patrol boats HMS Puncher and HMS Explorer have successfully concluded their part in Sweden’s high-profile FALLEX, a key component of the TARASSIS series of military activities.
The deployment marked the final element in a significant contribution by the 10 Joint Expeditionary Force nations to NATO’s deterrence and defence structure in Northern Europe. TARASSIS saw JEF nations strengthening ties and enhancing interoperability, in this case between the UK and one of NATO’s newest members, Sweden.
Operating in the Baltic Sea, the two P2000-class vessels played an important role in FALLEX, supporting Swedish Armed Forces during complex maritime scenarios designed to test their national and allied readiness.
FALLEX took place out of Berga Naval Base near Stockholm, seeing vessels navigate through the archipelagos south of Stockholm.
The Royal Navy’s involvement showcased its agility and commitment to multinational cooperation, with HMS Puncher and Explorer integrating seamlessly into Swedish-led operations.
The P2000s operated alongside Swedish Navy CB90s patrol vessels, operated by the Swedish Amphibious Corps and designed for work in coastal waters, testing their ability to protect a high-value unit with a ‘ring of steel’.
Their presence also helped to enhance the UK’s forward presence in a key theatre, reinforcing strategic objectives of TARASSIS which were: to project JEF military power across the Baltic Sea Region; to deter malign activity; and to demonstrate its readiness to complement NATO by supporting peace and security at sea.
The P2000 squadron has been involved with TARASSIS since activities started in early September. They provided escorts for a UK Ro-Ro carrying British Army equipment to TARASSIS activity in Latvia before rehearsing port security and patrolling operations with Latvian, Estonian and Finnish warships.
The vessels are now heading back to the UK, but this deployment has sent a clear message: JEF participant nations, including the UK, remains ready and steadfast to contribute to mutual defence in northern Europe.