Romanian Deputy Chief of Defence Staff visited Finland

The Deputy Chief of Defence Staff of the Romanian Defence Forces, Lieutentnant General Dragoş-Dumitru Iacob, visited Finland on 5–6 March 2025. The visit was hosted by the Chief of the Defence Command, Lieutenant General Vesa Virtanen.

The purpose of the visit was to familiarise the guest with the solutions for Finland's total defence. In addition, the security situation and cooperation between the countries were discussed. The programme included discussions at the Defence Command, as well as visits to the Guard Jaeger Regiment's local defence exercise Lively Stone and the National Defence Course. Furthermore, the National Defence Training Association and the National Emergency Supply Agency were visited. The visit to the National Emergency Supply Agency was hosted by CEO Janne Känkänen. Lieutenant General Iacob also visited Destia with a focus on the participation of Finnish businesses as actors in comprehensive security. Destia was hosted by CEO Tero Kiviniemi.

” I would like to thank Lieutenant General Iacob for his visit and for the good discussions. It was a pleasure to present a Finnish solution for comprehensive security and defence to which the whole of society is committed. Once again, it was impressive to follow the skills and attitudes of the reservists and conscripts who participated in the local defence exercise”, said Chief of the Defence Command, Lieutenant General Vesa Virtanen.

” In this security situation, it is important that we work closely with our allies. Finland is committed to NATO's 360-degree approach to security, as evidenced by the fact that our Hornet fighters participated in air surveillance in Romania last summer. Romania, like us, is a frontline country in NATO, so we have many common interests. The Black Sea region is strategically important, and Romania is a regionally strong security provider with a large armed force. We are pleased to deepen our cooperation with them”, Virtanen said.

” Our visit to Finland underlines the growing partnership between our armed forces. Last year's air policing mission in Romania with the participation of Finnish F-18s demonstrated our shared commitment to the security of allied airspace. This operational cooperation is essential in the context of the security challenges in the region,” General Iacob says.

“ Hybrid threats and heightened activity on our borders are realities that both Romania and Finland face. Disinformation, interference and hostile propaganda are just some of the tactics used to destabilize the area. By sharing information and strengthening our ties we contribute to the overall allied posture within our areas,” Iacob concludes.