NATO Military Committee officials visit Finland to review defense strategy, observe drills

Europe, News June 1, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer led a delegation of NATO military representatives to visit Finland. The NATO Military Committee reviewed Finland’s defense strategy and observed Exercise Northern Forest 24 in Rovajärvi, Lapland.

The trip marks the first visit of the NATO Military Committee to Finland since the Northern European nation became a member of the Alliance in April 2023.

The NATO Military Committee visited Rovaniemi in Finland on the invitation of the Chief of Defense Command of Finland, Lieutenant General Vesa Virtanen. During the visit, NATO military representatives were briefed on comprehensive security and defense strategy by Finnish military officials.

The Finnish and NATO military officials held discussions on various topics including Finland’s geostrategic environment, comprehensive security model and the success of Finland’s Security Strategy for Society.

According to the NATO statement, the military officials also discussed “Finland’s bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation with regional and international allies” within the context of Finland becoming the 31st member of the NATO Alliance last year.

Inspiring trip to Finland!

The #NATOMC had the chance to have in depth discussions on Finland’s comprehensive security and defence strategy.

The “sisu” was omnipresent 💪

Read more: https://t.co/399tGiVCcC pic.twitter.com/O6dTNxawad
— Admiral Rob Bauer (@CMC_NATO) May 29, 2024

On the second day of visit (May 28), the Military Committee officials observed the operations of Exercise Northern Forest 24 in Rovajärvi, Finland. The NATO officials also observed Finland’s conscription system illustrated through the participation of conscripted Finnish soldiers in the exercise.

“The interoperability of the 6900 troops from Finland, Norway and the US participating in the exercise demonstrated to the Military Committee Finland’s commitment to enhancing military interoperability and readiness between Allies,” the NATO statement highlighted.

Chair of the Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer highlighted the importance of the visit in exemplifying Finland’s defense capabilities and how this contributes to the Alliance’s collective defense.

Admiral Bauer underscored that “Finland’s comprehensive defense strategy embodies the Finnish ‘sisu’, demonstrating an extraordinary resilience and determination in the face of adversity”.

NATO Representatives observe Exercise Northern Forest 24 in Finland — *^{Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer and NATO Military Representatives observe Exercise Northern Forest 24 in Rovajärvi, Lapland. (Image Credit: NATO)}*

NATO Military Committee Chair, Admiral Bauer also emphasized the security of Finland’s position within NATO, and the mutual promise of security shared between all 32 Allies. He said, “Finland has 31 Allies, 31 friends, who will protect them no matter what; and 31 Allies can also count on Finland for their protection if they need help. Just as we can count on Finland.”

On May 29, Finland’s Chief of Defense General Janne Jaakkola joined the NATO Military Committee representatives. The NATO officials also engaged with Finnish defense industry and technological representatives.