Commander of the Army on a visit to Germany during 27.2.-1.3.2026

The Commander of the Finnish Army met the Chief of the German Army, and familiarised with the operating of the Jaeger Battalion 91 in Rotenburg during his visit. The Commander also attended the Finnentag celebration marking this year the 111th anniversary since the start of Finnish Jaeger training at Hohenlockstedt.

On the first day of the visit, the Commander of the Finnish Army, Lieutenant General Pasi Välimäki met his German colleague, Chief of the German Army, Lieutenant General Dr. Christian Freuding at Rotenburg, Wümme.

In conjunction with the visit, the Commanders discussed topical Army issues such as joint operating in military exercises, testing of new equipment, and procurement of materiel. The main focus of the visit was to familiarise with the operating of the Jaeger Battalion 91 at Rotenburg. A unit of medium-heavy infantry forces, the Jaeger Battalion 91 is used for field testing of new concepts, force structures and systems. For nearly a decade now, the Jaeger Battalion 91 and the Kyme Jaeger Battalion of the Karelia Brigade have conducted co-operation. At present, the objective is to reinforce co-operation especially as concerns integration of autonomous systems in infantry force compositions. 

Photo: Bundeswehr

- A systematic dialogue with our allies speeds up the testing and fielding of innovations and new weapon systems, as well as the development of our forces’ use concepts and operating policy. By exchanging good practices and testing we will jointly reach our objectives more rapidly", Lieutenant General Välimäki points out. 

During the second day of the visit, the Commanders attended the annual Finnentag celebration at Hohenlockstedt. Held on a yearly basis, the Finnentag celebration is organised by the municipality and residents of Hohenlockstedt in honour of the heritage, traditions and training of the Finnish Jaegers initiated in Germany 111 years ago. The Finnish Jaegers were seminal at the early stages of Finland’s independence, during the wars of Finland, and in the establishment of the Finnish Defence Forces. 

- Co-operation between the German and Finnish Armies has been very pragmatic and our interaction natural – in line with our shared traditions. These are indeed challenging times, and therefore co-operation that produces results and develops our operating is meaningful. Our co-operation also strengthens the Alliance both in the North and in Central Europe", Lieutenant General Välimäki says.
 

Photo: Bundeswehr