Chief of Swedish Army on a working visit to the Jaeger Brigade

Co-operation between the Finnish Army and the Swedish Army brought Chief of Swedish Army, Major General Jonny Lindfors to the Jaeger Brigade during 8-9 February 2024. The visit was hosted by Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Pasi Välimäki.

The Army develops bilateral readiness and operational capability jointly with Sweden. Together the Chiefs of Army followed the winter conditions training drills held in the wintry weather up north and discussed the upcoming training exercises with the command of the Jaeger Brigade.

-Both the Armies sustain a high-level of competence in winter conditions training. Now we inspected the Jaeger Brigade and familiarised with their special characteristics and training to sound out also their views on the new equipment. The Brigade’s personnel have actively participated in developing the equipment and operating procedures. The purpose is to secure the soldiers’ sustained operating capability under the exceptionally demanding conditions of the North. During the visit we got to confirm first-hand how the new equipment functioned as the temperature fell below -30 degrees Celsius. Co-operation with the Swedish Army is important for us and a natural thing to do. We learn from each other on a continuous basis and become better together, said Commander of the Finnish Army, Lieutenant General Pasi Välimäki.

-The visit to the Jaeger Brigade at Sodankylä and Rovaniemi is a vital part of the work with which we ensure a shared situation picture starting from soldier’s equipment and combat capacity while under stressful circumstances all the way to how we can advance a strong military operating capability together in the area of the Cap of the North. Ultimately, this is about ensuring that we sustain tactical superiority and are best prepared for the requirements of war at home. Good relations and mutual trust are the decisive factor for brothers in arms, said Chief of Swedish Army, Major General Jonny Lindfors.