In the snowy terrain of HETTA, Finland, Swedish and Finnish soldiers are currently participating in NATO’s largest exercise since the Cold War. This exercise is designed to test the military alliance’s capability to reinforce locations like the Nordic far north.
While Swedish and Finnish forces have been training together for years, Finland’s recent NATO membership and Sweden’s impending membership following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine add a new dynamic as they deepen their integration into the alliance.
Brigadier General Manu Tuominen, who is leading the Finnish troops in the exercise, believes that becoming a NATO member signifies a new phase for them. He mentions that there is still much to learn, but they are adequately prepared and exercises like this only enhance their membership.
The drills, part of the Steadfast Defender exercises, involve a mix of Finnish and Swedish troops engaging in simulated combat scenarios in the Finnish forests.
Finland officially joined NATO last year, while Sweden is on the verge of joining after Hungarian lawmakers approved their accession on Feb. 26, marking a historic moment for Stockholm. Hungary’s President Tamas Sulyok signed the bill, paving the way for Sweden’s NATO membership.
Sweden has maintained its neutrality through significant historical events like two world wars and the Cold War. However, the ongoing exercise signifies a shift towards a new reality where Swedish soldiers may be tasked with defending the borders of a NATO ally, such as Latvia.
During the exercise, Leopard tanks in winter camouflage fired training rounds while the infantry maneuvers through the pine trees and snow-covered terrain.
Swedish Brigadier General Rickard Johansson expressed eagerness to learn from the Finnish participants about their initial experiences as full NATO members. He also emphasized Sweden’s readiness to join NATO at the earliest opportunity.
A conscript from a Swedish mechanized unit, Felix Taws, shared his perspective on Sweden’s potential NATO membership. Taws stated that he feels reassured knowing that Sweden would receive support from other NATO members in times of need, while also being able to provide assistance to vulnerable countries within the alliance.
He expressed his willingness to travel to another country and assist in defending their borders if required. Such sentiments reflect the evolving mindset among Swedish soldiers as they embrace the prospect of defending NATO allies.
Overall, the ongoing exercise in Finland serves as a crucial training ground for Swedish and Finnish forces as they navigate their roles within NATO. The exercise not only enhances their interoperability but also underscores the importance of collective defense among alliance members.
This collaborative effort showcases the strength and unity of NATO as it adapts to evolving security challenges in the region. The participation of Swedish and Finnish troops in such exercises demonstrates their commitment to safeguarding shared values and security within the alliance.
(Reporting by Niklas Pollard and Tom Little, Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
