Naval combat exercise Helka 24 starts - the coast and maritime traffic will be protected by troops, joint fires and laying of sea mines

The Finnish Navy 2024 spring main exercise Helka 24 will be held from 23 to 31 May 2024. The Navy will train execution of naval operations incl. laying of sea mines, as well as transfer of troops and combat tasks in the archipelago and on the coast.

The exercise will focus on Western Uusimaa, Southwest Finland and the Archipelago Sea. Troops will be moving in the coastal areas from Kirkkonummi all the way to the Turku region.

In addition to naval and coastal troops of the Navy, the exercise will include detachments from the Army, Air Force, Border Guard and Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command. The exercise will be coordinated with the Army’s Scimitar 1/24 exercise.

The know-how of Contingent 1/24 and 2/23 conscripts mustering out in June will be evaluated in the naval combat exercise in unit compositions. The total strength of conscripts, reservists and regular personnel participating in the exercise will be over 2000.

The events of the exercise can be followed on the Navy’s social media channels using #merivoimat ja #Helka24.