Karelian Sword 25 Begins in Kymenlaakso Next Week

Karelian Brigade will lead the Karelian Sword 25 exercise in the Kymenlaakso region from May 23 to June 1, 2025.

The Karelian Sword 25 exercise is designed to develop the performance of troops and leadership levels, enhance cooperation between different branches of the armed forces, and improve interoperability with allied forces. The total strength of the exercise is approximately 5,000 soldiers. Of these, about 2,800 are conscripts, 1,800 are reservists, and around 740 are members of the Defence Forces personnel. In addition to the Karelian Brigade, participating units include troops from Armoured Brigade, Army Academy, Pori Brigade, Defence Forces Logistics Command, and Finnish Border Guard. Forces and staff officers from the United Kingdom and the United States are also taking part. The exercise includes elements of the UK Armed Forces 3 Regiment Army Air Corps (3AAC) combat helicopter unit.

The exercise involves around 700 vehicles, including heavy transport equipment and armored vehicles. It also includes flight operations by both the Finnish Defence Forces and allied forces.

This exercise serves as the final training exercise for conscript leaders who began their service in July last year (2/24) and for conscripts in crew roles who started in January (1/25). The exercise is led by Brigadier General Jyri Raitasalo, Commander of the Karelian Brigade.

Karelian Sword 25 is part of the Army’s broader spring exercise series. Over the course of the spring, the Finnish Army will train more than 20,000 soldiers for national defense and cooperation with allied forces.

You can follow the exercise on social media using the hashtag #KarelianSword25.