Sweden is resuming exercises for the mass evacuation of civilians amid concerns over war scenarios. The first exercise will take place this fall on Gotland, drawing attention to Sweden's preparedness for potential conflicts. As pointed out by Alf Söderman, the defense director at Gotland's municipal authority, these drills signify to the world that Sweden is capable of managing emergencies effectively.

During the Gotland exercise, up to 300 volunteers will be evacuated using local transport buses. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Swedish authorities are confident in their ability to handle emergencies, particularly in a military context. There's also a larger evacuation exercise planned for northern Sweden in 2027, emphasizing the government's commitment to enhancing national security protocols in light of increasing global tensions.

Historically, mass evacuation exercises were common during the 1950s and 1960s, with the largest drill occurring in Stockholm in 1961, which involved 30,000 participants. The revival of such practices indicates a shift in the Swedish government's approach, reflecting both a response to contemporary geopolitical threats and a proactive measure to safeguard its population.