Finnish Defence Forces to continue its contribution to SNMG1

The participation of the Finnish Defence Forces in the tasks of the Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) will be extended in 2025, according to a decision by the Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen. In 2025, a Hamina class vessel will be deployed to the SNMG1 for a maximum of four months instead of the initial one month.

The Minister’s decision will enable the Finnish Defence Forces to continue its contribution to the tasks of the SNMG1 in a flexible way.

“The need to safeguard critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea will persist due to recent events. Finland has taken active initiative in security matters affecting the Baltic Sea region, such as the protection of critical undersea infrastructure and the addressing of the shadow fleet challenge. Our contribution to NATO’s Baltic Sentry can be considered to strengthen NATO’s deterrence in the Baltic Sea,” said Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

Military presence has been strengthened in the Baltic Sea in response to recent damage to undersea cables. In addition to individual countries’ national efforts, NATO stepped up its monitoring and exercises in the region in January 2025. NATO launched Baltic Sentry to enhance its military presence in the Baltic Sea, prevent threats to critical undersea infrastructure and strengthen the creation of an integrated regional picture.

The Finnish Defence Forces deployed one Hamina class vessel to the Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) in the Baltic Sea from 27 January to 14 February 2025. The SNMG1 formed a part of the Baltic Sentry mission.

Inquiries: Janne Kuusela, Director General, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 300. Requests for interviews with Minister Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 41 544 4967.