Commander of the Finnish Army reviewed mechanised forces’ exercise in Pohjankangas

Commander of the Finnish Army, Lieutenant General Pasi Välimäki, reviewed the Armoured Brigade-led mechanised forces exercise in Pohjankangas, Finland on 28 – 30 April 2026.

The commander reviewed the combat phase execution of Exercise Mighty Arrow 2026. The main training objective of the exercise was to improve the combat skills of mechanised units and combined arms operations on the battalion-level. The training was conducted in the Pohjankangas training area as a two-sided combat exercise between multinational battalion battle groups, together with our Estonian and Lithuanian Allies. 

For the first time, this year’s exercise used unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for reconnaissance, fires command & control and strikes. Counter-UAS systems were also tested in the exercise. In regards to using UAS, the main focus was in integrating FPV (First Person View) drones into the units’ combat operations. A Ukrainian FPV unit participated in developing the FPV activities. The Ukrainians visited the different FPV sections, mentoring them and providing them with the latest lessons learned on the battlefield. 

“We received good observations and experience on using FPVs in exercises. For the first time, their use has been integrated into the two-sided combat simulator system (KASI).  This allows us to get both exercise experience and data on the use and effectiveness of these systems. The training audience will get feedback on the effectiveness, both in combat situations and during after-actions reviews – just as with any other fires systems. Unmanned systems meant for strikes will become a part of unit operations. Counter-UAS systems will soon follow,” Lieutenant General Välimäki says. 

During the exercise LTG Välimäki met with the commander of the Estonian Division, Major General Indrek Sirel, and with the commander of the Lithuanian Iron Wolf Brigade, Colonel Darius Meilūnas, who reviewed the operation of their forces. 

“During the review, we were able to see that our years-long exercise cooperation is producing excellent results: trust is built between the soldiers, trust in working together and we learn from each other. Integrating new systems into the units’ exercise activities has changed standard operating procedures, exercise structure as well as command and control,” states Lieutenant General Välimäki.