Skip to content

Mechanized troops train effective engagement operations in Arrow 17

Army
Publication date 3.5.2017 19.09 | Published in English on 3.5.2017 at 19.54
Press release
Eversti Pekka Järvi

The objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability and capability of mechanized units in offensive combat. For the first time the troops of Armoured Brigade are using the most modern armoured vehicles of the Finnish Army.

Officer Commanding Exercise Colonel Pekka Järvi, image Combat Camera/Samuli Haapala

- The effective execution and unified action of branches are vital to Mechanized units. This year we are specially focusing on mechanized, armoured troops. Last year we trained mainly motorized infantry, says Colonel Pekka Järvi.

- Conscripts get to train tactics with highly efficient Leopard 2 A6 main battle tanks and modernized BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles in a battle group operation.

A camouflaged tank on a sand field at the base of a tree

Arrow 17 consists of two phases. Simulator assisted Troops on troop training takes place on the first week. Live firing phase is conducted during the second week. The exercise ends with a battalion sized live firing drill.

Finnish Army’s mechanised exercise operates with the total strength of approximately 2200 persons. The exercise brings to Finland an US Army Europe infantry company of approximately 125 soldiers and a Norwegian Brigade North mechanized platoon of approximately 50 soldiers. Visiting forces operate as part of the Finnish battle group.

- Preparations for the exercise with visiting forces were carried out with routine gathered from last year’s experiences, Järvi says.

During Wednesday the troops have carried out collective individual and force integration training. This training improves interoperability at its' best and prepares troops for live exercise phase starting on Thursday.

Soldiers ride motorcycles on a dirt road

Pori Brigade/Markus Malila

Happy soldiers in combat gear

image Combat Camera

Three soldiers squatting, one of whom is aiming with an anti-tank missile

image Combat Camera

´