Presence of the United States will strengthen in the second half of the year – active training in Finland and the Baltic Sea region
During the second half of the year, the United States will take extensively part in military presence and training activities in Finland and the Baltic Sea region.
The United States’ military presence and training in various parts of Finland and the Baltic Sea region is included in existing plans and a part of the bilateral defence cooperation between Finland and the United States. The goal is to develop readiness, strengthen interoperability and promote regional security.
National defence and international cooperation complement each other, and they are both part of Finland’s defence solution. The importance of cooperation is underscored in the current, unstable global situation where changes, rapid as they may be, could take place.
– In the future as well, we will keep up our own ability to defend our country and be responsible for Finland’s military defence. Finland cannot, however, stand alone and isolate itself. In the current security environment, cooperation is indispensable, says Deputy Chief of Staff Strategy, Major General Sami Nurmi.
According to Major General Nurmi, the presence of the United States is a demonstration of deepening cooperation and of the United States’ commitment to Finland and the Baltic Sea region:
– The defence cooperation between Finland and the United States bases on a long-lasting partnership. It also supports multilateral and NATO cooperation. The presence of the United States is not a one-time exception, but a part of our nations’ continuing and deepening partnership and alliance. It is a demonstration of commitment to collective defence and the security of Finland and the Baltic Sea region.
The strengthening presence and training activity were launched in mid-July, when the first U.S. Marine Corps detachment arrived in Finland. The units deployed in Uusimaa Brigade and the Coastal Brigade will operate in Finland for about a month. Karelia Brigade has also received American soldiers. They will provide training for Finnish military personnel to operate and maintain US equipment.
The additional activities with US troops are scheduled across Finland during the second half of the year. Information about the following phases and exercises will be provided later.
Exercise activities test and develop interoperability
The defence cooperation will become concrete in exercises in which interoperability between Finland and the United States will be practised and developed. Compatible procedures and capabilities enable the planning and implementation of collective defence efficiently in all situations. The exercise entity in the latter part of 2025 will be extensive and cover the Army, Navy and the Air Force.
The Defence Cooperation Agreement, DCA, between Finland and the United States allows the presence and training of American troops in Finland. The agreement which entered into force last year is now applied in practice. The bilateral activities are in accordance with the agreement and take place as mutually agreed.
From time to time, personnel deployed and participating in exercises will also move outside the garrisons and training areas.
– You may come across American troops and equipment across Finland. They are welcome. We may not be famous for great small talk skills, but nodding or smiling is good enough, if you see troops in the street, Major General Nurmi suggests.
