Finland Integrates NATO Defense Obligations into National Law as It Conducts Joint Military Drills Near Russia’s Border

Finland Integrates NATO Defense Obligations into National Law as It Conducts Joint Military Drills Near Russia’s Border

The Finnish government has approved a proposal to amend the Act on the Defense Forces, formally incorporating NATO's collective defense obligations into Finnish national law.

This decision, presented by Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen, reinforces Finland's commitment to the Alliance following its NATO membership.

The proposed amendments will make it a legal obligation for the Finnish Defense Forces (FDF) to participate in NATO's collective defense, including engagement in defense planning, command structures, joint exercises, and operational missions with NATO allies. The changes aim to bolster Finland’s capacity to both provide and receive military support when necessary.

Minister Häkkänen noted that the proposal strengthens Finland's role within NATO and enhances its ability to contribute to regional security. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of improving logistical capabilities to support international forces operating on Finnish soil.

The amendments also include provisions for the temporary use of property for defense cooperation and legal protection for foreign forces and their specialized equipment. Changes to the Act on Military Vehicles and the Road Traffic Act will facilitate the movement and operations of NATO troops within Finland.

Moreover, Finland will expand its military intelligence-sharing capabilities, enabling more direct exchanges with NATO and the European Union. This move is aimed at enhancing security coordination and reinforcing Finland’s role in global intelligence efforts.

Given the current geopolitical situation, the Finnish government views NATO as a cornerstone of European security. Finland is working to fully integrate into the Alliance’s defense framework by updating its defense laws to align with NATO's operational structures. These amendments will improve coordination in joint missions, planning, and security operations with NATO allies.

The proposal will now proceed through the approval process, where it will be reviewed before it can be formally enacted. Once passed, it will solidify Finland’s commitment to NATO's collective defense strategy and increase its role within the Alliance.

Finland and NATO Allies Conduct Arctic Military Drills Near Russian Border

In a separate development, Finland, along with the United States, Norway, and Canada, is participating in joint Arctic military exercises as part of Arctic Forge 25, a U.S.-led drill aimed at improving combat readiness in extreme winter conditions.

Taking place from February 14 to February 28, the exercise is being held approximately 130 kilometers from Finland's border with Russia, involving around 1,000 troops. The drills focus on Arctic warfare tactics, rapid-response coordination, and survival in harsh winter conditions. Finnish conscripts from the Jaeger Brigade are joining forces with U.S. and Canadian troops to hone mobility, camouflage, and operational capabilities in subzero temperatures.

Arctic Forge 25 is designed to build U.S. Army Arctic capabilities, including Arctic deployment, multi-domain operations, and sustainment. It includes about 330 U.S. and 750 multinational participants from Finland, Canada, and Norway.

Since Finland's NATO membership in 2023, its role in NATO’s Arctic strategy has expanded. The country signed a bilateral defense agreement with the U.S. last year to further strengthen military cooperation. Finnish Defense Minister Häkkänen also confirmed that NATO's Forward Land Forces (FLF) will be stationed in Sodankylä and Rovaniemi, training alongside Finnish troops during peacetime. Additionally, NATO’s new Northern European land command headquarters will be established in Mikkeli, eastern Finland.

As Russia and China increase their presence in the Arctic, this region has become a key area of strategic interest for NATO.

While U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested shifting U.S. defense priorities towards the Arctic and Asia-Pacific, raising concerns in Europe about potential reductions in U.S. military commitments, Finnish military officials remain confident in NATO's collective defense commitments. Colonel Ari Mure, deputy commander of the Jaeger Brigade and exercise director, reassured that Finland expects support from NATO allies if necessary.

With the Arctic region's growing geopolitical significance, Finland’s integration into NATO has led to an increase in joint military exercises, including Arctic Forge 25, which is designed to improve cooperation and prepare for potential security challenges in the region.

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