By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
Helsinki, Finland — In a historic move, Finland has announced its participation in a NATO exercise for the first time, as the Finnish and Swedish Defense Forces join the Nordic military exercise “Nordic Response 24,” led by Norway. The Finnish Ministry of Defense revealed that the exercise, scheduled from March 4 to 15, 2024, will see the mobilization of approximately 4,100 Finnish soldiers and 700 vehicles. Air operations will primarily unfold in Western Lapland, with extensions across northern regions of Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
Collaborative efforts between the three countries have been undertaken to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and minimize the impact of the exercise. Apart from Finnish forces, the exercise will witness the participation of 3,000 Swedish soldiers, 450 French troops, and around 50 British personnel involved in movements and training within Finland.
Anticipating potential traffic congestion, authorities have advised extra travel time and the selection of alternative routes, especially towards Enontekiö and the specified march routes.
The joint Finnish and Swedish divisions will operate in the Enontekiö area, moving towards Norway. The training force will consist of approximately 2,500 personnel, including 350 staff members, 1,060 conscripts, and 1,120 reservists.
The Finnish Air Force will contribute 12 F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighters and around 250 personnel based in Rovaniemi and at the Andøya base in Norway.
“Nordic Response 24” stands out as the most significant exercise of the year for the Finnish Defense Forces. It is part of NATO’s “Steadfast Defender 24” exercise series, aimed at enhancing the alliance’s capability to conduct joint defensive operations in Arctic conditions. This exercise, NATO’s largest in decades, showcases the commitment and resolve to defend the alliance’s territory. For Finland, a new member, this marks a significant step in strengthening its integration into NATO and its ability to participate in joint operations in the Nordic region.
The potential NATO membership of Nordic countries, particularly Finland and Sweden, is viewed as a strategic pivot in response to escalating tensions with Russia. The northern expansion aims to reinforce the collective security of the alliance in a region geographically close to Russia. However, the accession process has encountered obstacles, notably from Turkey, which has raised concerns and imposed conditions. As of now, only Norway has joined the organization, while Sweden remains an official invitee awaiting full ratification of the accession protocol by all alliance members.