Finland hosts large-scale international exercises with NATO Allies on land and in the air, as it adapts to its status as a full NATO member.
Synopsis
Finland has hosted several international exercises both on land and in the air as the country adapts to its status as a NATO member. Exercises Lightning Strike and Northern Forest took place at the Rovajärvi exercise area in northern Finland. The exercises develop joint fire and combat operations between Finnish Defence Forces, Allied forces, and Sweden. The total number of participating troops is approximately 8,000, with 7,000 from Finland and 1,000 from other NATO countries and Sweden.
Meanwhile, nearby in Rovaniemi Air Base, Finland hosted part of exercise Arctic Challenge, one of Europe’s largest air exercises. Featuring Mirage and Rafale aircraft from France and Eurofighters from Germany as well as Finnish F/A-18 Hornets, the exercise helps NATO Allies improve the interoperability of their air assets.
