NATO's largest naval exercise in the Baltic Sea was kicked off Saturday in waters off Sweden's southern port city of Gothenburg.

The exercise, involving some 10,000 troops and 80 warships from 17 countries including the United States, Britain and France, will last until May 24.

The maneuver is aimed at improving NATO troops' ability to handle crises in inshore waters and to reach the scene quickly when terrorist attacks happen.

NATO holds similar military exercises annually.

As a member of NATO's Partnership for Peace program, Sweden this year sent 700 troops, two frigates, two minesweepers, and one submarine to the war games.

Also on Saturday, more than 3,000 Gothenburg citizens demonstrated against the NATO exercises. The protesters said they were loath to see their city being associated with what they called an "aggressive" military alliance like NATO.

Source: Xinhua