Finland Determines Location for NATO Forward Land Forces Headquarters

Finland has determined the permanent location for NATO’s forward land forces headquarters. It will be in Rovaniemi, the administrative center of Lapland.

The decision was made by Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen, according to Yle.

This refers to a multinational group of NATO’s forward-deployed land forces (Forward Land Forces) that will operate within the country.

The units will mainly operate in the northern regions of Finland, which is in line with the Alliance’s defense planning on the northern flank.

According to the defense minister, Rovaniemi was chosen for its operational expediency and “synergy effect” for the interaction of allied forces.

The headquarters will have permanent status and a continuous presence in Finland. The number of personnel may vary depending on the tasks.

During training periods or in the event of an escalation of the security situation, the contingent is planned to be increased, potentially to brigade level.

Regular rehearsals of scenarios for the rapid deployment of additional forces and equipment to the area of deployment are planned.

Sweden has taken on a key role in the formation of the group. Denmark, Norway, Iceland, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy are also involved.

The deployment of Forward Land Forces in Finland is part of a broader adaptation of NATO’s force structure following the country’s accession to the Alliance.

Earlier, President of Finland Alexander Stubb stressed that NATO membership had become a critical security factor for Finland and Sweden in the changed geopolitical situation.

Militarnyi also recently reported that NATO’s forward brigade in Finland will be formed on the basis of Swedish units.