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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: Finland will exceed NATO’s 1.5% target for defence- and security-related spending in 2026

2026-05-20T06:00:00Z

“Total defence is an essential element of Finland’s defence. Traditionally, Finland has always sought to ensure the resilience of our civil society, and now we have stepped up our efforts. The fact that we are able to exceed the NATO target already this year, the first year of reporting, shows that we take total defence seriously,” Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.

At the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, Allies made a commitment to investing five per cent of GDP annually on defence. They will allocate at least 3.5 per cent of GDP annually on core defence requirements and up to 1.5 per cent of GDP annually on defence- and security-related spending. Each Ally must reach the new target by 2035.

Based on the agreed definition of NATO defence expenditure, for Finland the 3.5 per cent target includes the defence budget (i.e. the expenditure of the Ministry of Defence’s branch of government), parts of the Finnish Border Guard’s expenditure, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ share of the expenditure on military crisis management operations, and retirement pension paymens by the defence administration.

“The 1.5 per cent target for defence- and security-related spending includes the costs of such activities as enabling the execution of operations plans, strengthening the defence industrial base, promoting innovation in the defence sector, safeguarding civil preparedness and resilience, and supporting Ukraine. All these we have been promoting with determination,” Häkkänen said.

The reporting is based on a cross-government preparation led by the Ministry of Defence. The Ministry of Defence is responsible for coordinating Finland’s total defence.

Although Finland will be exceeding NATO’s target of 1.5 per cent, it will have no impact on our reaching the 3.5 per cent target for spending on core defence requirements.

Inquiries: Petri Vähäkangas, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 140 218 and Markku Viitasaari, Director, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 330. Requests for interviews with Minister Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 415 444 967.

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Minister of Defence Häkkänen to attend meeting of EU defence ministers

2026-05-12T08:04:00Z

The ministers will discuss EU support to Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and its implications for European defence and security, and the EU’s defence readiness and preparedness. They will also receive a presentation on the outcomes of the updated comprehensive EU Threat Analysis.

The European Defence Agency (EDA) Steering Board will meet in the configuration of defence ministers before the Council meeting.

Inquiries: Peppi Heinikainen, Senior Specialist (defence configuration of the Foreign Affairs Council), tel. +358 295 140 512; Kristian Vakkuri, Head of Communications (communications on the meeting), tel. +358 295 140 123.

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: The Finnish Defence Forces will procure thermal clip-on optics

2026-05-11T07:30:00Z

Thermal clip-on optics are thermal imaging sights mounted in front of a weapon’s primary day optic.

“This procurement will ensure that new sniper and designated marksman rifles will have the thermal imaging capability that meets the Finnish Defence Forces’ requirements,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

The TigIR-M20 thermal sights will be supplied by the German company Andres Industries AG, selected through a competitive tendering organised by the NSPA. The overall value of the procurement, without value added tax, is more than EUR 24 million. The procurement is part of the development of night combat and sniper capabilities within the Dismounted Soldier System Programme.

Inquiries: Jussi Ristimäki, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 072; Colonel Ari Mure, Inspector of Infantry, Army Command Finland, tel. +358 299 800 (Finnish Defence Forces’ switchboard).

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Minister of Defence Häkkänen to attend ministerial meeting of Nordic Defence Cooperation in Trondheim

2026-05-05T06:00:00Z

The ministers will discuss the progress of Nordic defence cooperation in, for example, prepositioning, military mobility and logistics. They will also exchange views on cooperation between the Nordic Air Forces and the plans to raise the production capacity of ammunition. Other items on the agenda include topical NATO matters and current regional security issues.

“We are promoting stronger Nordic defence in many areas. By improving our strategic and operational interoperability, we can better achieve seamless cooperation to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

Norway is chairing NORDEFCO this year, and the meeting will be hosted by Norway’s Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.

Inquiries: Tiina Benredjem, Senior Specialist (the meeting), Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 009; Kristian Vakkuri, Head of Communications (communications on the meeting), Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 123. Requests for interviews with Minister Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 415 444 967.

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Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen to meet Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur

2026-04-29T05:00:00Z

The ministers will discuss the security situation in the Baltic Sea and topical defence policy matters related to NATO and the European Union.

Inquiries: Jenina Haapanen, senior specialist, tel. +358 29 5140070, jenina.haapanen@gov.fi

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen to visit Stockholm

2026-04-28T07:05:00Z

Minister of Defence Häkkänen will also learn about the Swedish Navy’s activities in the Baltic Sea.

Inquiries: Captain (N) Mika Raunu, Military Adviser to the Minister of Defence (programme for the visit), tel. +358 295 140 138.

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Government submits to Parliament proposal to facilitate operations of international military headquarters in Finland

2026-04-24T05:12:00Z

“This proposal would facilitate the operations of international military headquarters in Finland. First, we achieved our goal of establishing a Multi-Corps Land Component Command (MCLCC) in Mikkeli and a NATO Deployable CIS Module (DCM) in Riihimäki. Now we want to make sure that these and any other international military headquarters later established in Finland can operate and perform their duties to the fullest. This is a concrete sign that Finland’s NATO integration is making good progess, and it also contributes to strengthening the defence of Finland and the High North,” Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.

The supplementary agreement would strengthen the status of NATO’s international military headquarters and facilitate their operations in Finland. It would apply to all NATO military headquarters and any other military organisations operating in Finland. The agreement would be Finland’s first NATO-related international agreement prepared under the lead of the Ministry of Defence.

The agreement would not establish any headquarters: the decision to establish a headquarters or change the personnel strength of a headquarters would remain subject to approval by Finland. In addition, Finland would approve any headquarter activities that, for example, require an increase of personnel strength.

The supplementary agreement contains provisions on various matters such as taxation, environmental protection, health and safety, telecommunications, vehicles and education. The basic principle is that NATO military headquarters enjoy the same opportunities and conditions in Finland as the Finnish Defence Forces.

The agreement would ensure that, during their NATO mission, high-ranking personnel, such as generals, serving in NATO would be accorded immunities and privileges comparable to those enjoyed by foreign diplomats.

Inquiries: Tuukka Einola, Senior Specialist for Legal Affairs, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 140, email: tuukka.einola@gov.fi

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Government submits proposal to Parliament on amending Nuclear Energy Act and Criminal Code

2026-04-23T10:59:00Z

Finland would still in all situations criminalise as nuclear device offences the acquisition, manufacture, development and detonation of nuclear devices and the conducting of research for the purpose of manufacturing one. Moreover, nuclear device offences committed with a terrorist intent would remain criminalised as before.

The objective of the government proposal is to remove legal barriers concerning nuclear devices to enable Finland’s homeland defence as part of the Alliance and the full use of NATO’s deterrence and defence. It would allow Finland to sustain and develop the collective defence of the Alliance and to execute it in full, if needed. The government proposal is part of the legislative reforms the Programme of Prime Minister Orpo’s Government outlines as necessary for Finland’s integration with NATO. The amendment would enable not only NATO’s activities in Finland but also bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The rationale for the proposal was supplemented during further preparation on the basis of comments received during the consultation round. For example, the rationale now expounds on the constitutional procedures for establishing positions and making decisions and on the role of the highest organs of state in decision-making on nuclear devices. The rules on impact assessment have also been supplemented on the basis of the comments received.

“The proposal aims to maximise Finland’s security in an unpredictable operating environment. By removing the legal barries on nuclear devices, we can strengthen our deterrence and defence and raise the threshold for using military force against Finland and the Alliance. The legislative amendment is necessary for the security of Finland,” Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.

The legislative amendment would bring Finland’s contribution to NATO’s nuclear deterrence on a par with our closest allies. Most NATO member states have no legal barriers to the full execution of NATO’s deterrence and defence. Finland will remain committed to the Treaty on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and to its other international obligations.

All NATO decisions, including on nuclear deterrence, are made by consensus. Finland formulates its position independently on all matters related to nuclear deterrence.

The Government proposes that the legislative amendments enter into force as soon as possible.

- Requests for interviews with Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 358 295 140 109.

- Inquiries: Janne Kuusela, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence. Contact Niina Hyrsky, Director of Communications, tel. +358 295 140 120, or tiedotus.plm@gov.fi

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Finland’s Minister of Defence Häkkänen to attend meeting of Ukraine Defence Contact Group

2026-04-15T12:03:00Z

The participants will address the situation in Ukraine and coordinate the materiel and training support to be provided to Ukraine.

“We will discuss the current situation in Ukraine and ways to strengthen our support. Finland will continue to support Ukraine bilaterally and through various formations of cooperation,” Minister Antti Häkkänen said.

The Ukraine Defence Contact Group is a coalition of around 50 countries that coordinates the delivery of materiel support to Ukraine. UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey and German Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius will chair the meeting. Ukrainian Minister of Defence Myhailo Fedorov will outline the situation in Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will also attend.

Inquiries: Esko Salminen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 094.

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Call-up system to be extended to whole age group – three municipalities to pilot information days in autumn

2026-04-13T12:18:00Z

The call-up information day, open to all 17-year-olds, will take place at the general upper secondary schools and vocational institutions of the municipalities involved in the pilot project. During the day, young people will learn about homeland defence, conscription and comprehensive security. They will also receive advice on how to improve their wellbeing. The information day aims to increase the number of those who complete military service and strengthen young people’s will to defend their country. It will help young men to better understand their obligations once they become liable for call-up and raise young women’s awareness of voluntary military service for women and advise them on how to apply for it. In addition, a broader societal objective is to promote the wellbeing and functional capacity of young people and to prevent social exclusion.

“The call-up information day will ensure that the whole age group is included in the call-up process and receives necessary information before the call-up events and the selection events for voluntary military service for women. In this way young people will have a better understanding of the homeland defence obligation, total defence and comprehensive security,” says Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The pilot project for call-up information days is the first step in the process of introducing the two-part call-up process across the country. The project will test how well the information days work in different regions and educational institutions. The new process is scheduled to be scaled up to the regional and national level in 2027–2028.

The call-up information days are part of a call-up system reform outlined in a parliamentary committee report (2021), the Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government (2023) and a final report of a working group for the development of call-ups (2024). The call-up system reform aims to address the issues of shrinking age cohorts and the lowering levels of functional capacity among young people. The call-up day proper will be organised at a later date.

The pilot project is a collaboration of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Finnish Defence Forces and the National Defence Training Association of Finland as well as the municipalities and education providers involved in the project.

Inquiries

Thomas Gentz, Senior Staff Officer, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 055
Kati Lounema, Director, Ministry of Education and Culture, tel. +358 295 330 037

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Finland Procures More 155 mm K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers from the Republic of Korea

2026-04-09T11:31:00Z

The procurement includes 112 pieces of surplus K9 self-propelled howitzers as well as related spare parts and special tools and test equipment. The total value of the procurement is approximately 546,8 million euros.

“This procurement enhances the capability of the Finnish artillery cost-effectively. The acquisition is a part of the decade-long modernization of the Finnish Army as stated in the Government Defence Report. At the same time, this is a strong expression of the close co-operation of the respective defence administrations of Finland and the Republic of Korea”, states the Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The procurement will further enhance the Army’s firepower and its ability to support operational forces with long-range artillery systems that have good off-road and road mobility. The acquisition will partially replace aging towed artillery equipment.

Finland first acquired K9 self-propelled howitzers in 2017 through a government-to-government deal with the Republic of Korea’s agency KOTRA. In total, 96 K9 self-propelled howitzers have previously been procured.

The self-propelled howitzers will undergo national modifications in Finland before entering service. The K9 system’s maintenance and sustainment capability has already been established domestically in Finland with earlier acquisitions.

The procurement is included in the Ministry of Defence’s planned budget framework.

For further information, please contact Senior Specialist Frans Peltonen at the Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 021, and at the Army Headquarters, Inspector of Artillery, Colonel Petri Majuri, tel. +358 299 800 (switchboard).

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Suspected territorial violation by unmanned aerial vehicles in Southeast Finland on Sunday

2026-03-29T10:51:00Z

“Drones have strayed into the Finnish territory. We are taking the matter very seriously. The security authorities have responded immediately. The investigation into the incidents will continue and more detailed information will be provided once the information is confirmed,” says Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The Finnish Defence Forces are investigating the incident in cooperation with other authorities. Further information on the matter will be provided by the Defence Forces together with the other authorities.

Inquiries: ilmavoimat@mil.fi

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Six negative decisions on real estate transactions

2026-03-27T10:00:00Z

The negative decisions concerned properties in Imatra, Savonlinna, Kittilä, Raseborg, Parikkala and Sysmä.

The applicants had different kinds of plans for the real estate, such as business, residential and recreational use. They are citizens or companies owned by citizens of Russia, Uzbekistan, China and Canada.

Because of the changes in the security environment, Finnish authorities must take sufficient measures to prevent different kinds of broad-spectrum threats. Buying real estate in Finland can be used to gain a foothold in the country or to undermine public authorities’ ability to act.

“That is why we will not allow real estate acquisitions when we cannot rule out a threat to national security, homeland defence, border security and security of supply,” said Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The decisions to deny the applicants a permit were based on the Act on Permit Requirements for Certain Real Estate Acquisitions (470/2019).

The decisions are not yet final.

Any requests by media for access to documents should be sent via email to the Registry of the Ministry of Defence at kirjaamo.plm(at)gov.fi.

Further information can be inquired by email from the Media and Communications Unit of the Ministry of Defence at tiedotus.plm(at)gov.fi.

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Defence Ministers of Finland, Sweden and Norway at Cold Response 26: Implementation of FLF Finland progressing rapidly

2026-03-16T14:10:00Z

“This is the most important Arctic exercise of the spring. Over 30,000 professional soldiers and reservists from 14 countries are training joint NATO operations in Norwegian and Finnish territory. Important components of the exercise include strengthening NATO’s High North, training joint operations in challenging conditions, and testing logistics and the capability to receive allied forces,” said Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

“The exercise also involves moving troops from Sweden to Finland, which is a key part of FLF Finland’s operational concept. The FLF approach will strengthen the security of Finland and the entire northern flank of the Alliance,” said Minister Häkkänen.

Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen, Sweden’s Minister of Defence Pål Jonson and Norway’s Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik issued a declaration at Cold Response 26 in which they noted that rapid progress has been made in implementing FLF Finland. According to the declaration, the objective is to establish FLF Finland before the NATO summit in Ankara in July 2026.

“In practice, this means both the battle group offered by Sweden and the Multinational Staff Element to be established in Finland,” Minister Häkkänen said.

“FLF Finland is a concrete sign of NATO’s increasing deterrence and defence in Finland. Similarly, Cold Response 26 displays our strong capabilities and our Allies’ commitment to developing FLF Finland,” Minister Antti Häkkänen said.

Sweden is the framework nation for FLF Finland, which is a multinational NATO land force. Norway is the lead nation in Cold Response 26 and is one of the countries participating in the development of FLF Finland. The United Kingdom, France, Italy and Iceland have also announced their participation in the development of FLF Finland and are participating in Cold Response 26. Cold Response 26 is part of NATO’s Arctic Sentry operation, which shows the Alliance’s readiness to operate in the Arctic.

Declaration by the Ministers of Defence of Norway, Finland and Sweden

Inquiries: Samuli Puhakka, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358295140089.

Requests for interviews with Minister Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358415444967.

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Joint statement on Cold Response 26 and NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Finland by the Ministers of Defence of Finland, Sweden and Norway

2026-03-16T14:07:00Z

NATO's Forward Land Forces Finland forms the 9th FLF in NATO and is an important part of NATO's enhanced deterrence and defence posture in the High North.

The exercise Cold Response 26 has been utilized to support the further development of FLF Finland. By exercising large-scale movement of forces from Sweden to Northern Finland, Cold Response 26 has demonstrated elements of the FLF employment. Cold Response 26 is also included in NATO's activity Arctic Sentry.

The exercise includes participation by nations that have expressed their intention to contribute to the further development of FLF Finland. This includes Norway, Denmark, France, Italy and the United Kingdom. Iceland has also expressed their intention to contribute to FLF Finland.

FLF Finland is progressing rapidly and will be established this year. Sweden will provide the core of the multinational battlegroup for FLF Finland, based in Boden (Northern Sweden). The intention is that FLF Finland will be established before the NATO Summit in Ankara this summer.

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Functions of 3rd Logistics Regiment to be placed in Kemi

2026-03-09T13:03:00Z

The decision will strengthen the resources of the Finnish Defence Forces’ logistics services in northern Finland.

The 3rd Logistics Regiment of the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command and its partners form the Finnish Defence Forces’ logistics service network in northern Finland. The regiment stores and maintains military equipment and provides units with logistics support where necessary. It participates in the provision of executive assistance to other authorities and contributes to the arrangements of support to enable international operations and exercises.

“Changes in the security environment, Finland’s membership in NATO and the Defence Cooperation Agreement between Finland and the United States will set growing demands on national logistics and capabilities. Development efforts will focus on military mobility, host nation support, medical support, the troops and capabilities of the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command, and the Nordic Joint Logistics Support Network,” Minister Häkkänen said.

The 3rd Logistics Regiment comprises the Regiment Headquarters, the Aeronautical Systems Depot, the North Finland Storage Section and the North Finland Security Unit. The Regiment Headquarters is located in Jyväskylä. Its other functions are located in Oulu, Rovaniemi, Tervola, Haapajärvi, Tampere and Pirkkala. The employment effect of the functions to be placed in Kemi will be six persons.

Inquiries: Ville Vilén, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 212.

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: A NATO Deployable CIS Module will be established in Riihimäki

2026-03-09T08:00:00Z

“Establishing a NATO Deployable CIS Module is Riihimäki will strengthen NATO’s ability to defend Finland and the High North and bolster the status of the Riihimäki Garrison as an important centre of expertise in command and control systems. My decision on the site is based on a comprehensive analysis of Finland’s homeland defence. I have considered NATO's requirements and Finland’s defence perspectives,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

The Deployable CIS Module (DCM) will provide communication and information system (CIS) services in support of NATO forces and commands in Finland and, if necessary, across the Alliance. The DCM will have around 60 employees, and the posts will be filled by Finnish personnel.

“Earlier this month, the other Allies supported the establishment of a Deployable CIS Module in Finland. It shows that our strong expertise in command and control systems is recognised within NATO. The DCM will bring significant synergies for FLF Finland and the MCLCC-N in Mikkeli,” Häkkänen said.

The DCM is part of the NATO Command Structure. Its establishment, implementation and maintenance are eligible for NATO’s common funding. NATO’s Deployable CIS Modules (DCMs) operate under the NATO Communications and Information Systems Group (NCISG).

Inquiries: Jukka-Pekka Virtanen, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 208. Requests for interviews with Minister Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 415 444 967.

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Finnish Government proposes to amend Nuclear Energy Act and Criminal Code to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence

2026-03-05T16:13:00Z

The objective is to remove legal barriers to enable Finland’s homeland defence as part of the Alliance and the full utilisation of NATO’s deterrence and defence.

The current legislation bans all import of nuclear devices into Finland and the transport, supply and possession of them in Finland. The draft proposal would allow the import of nuclear devices into Finland or their transport, supply or possession in Finland in the context of Finland’s homeland defence, NATO’s collective defence or defence cooperation.

Most NATO member states have no legal barriers to the full execution of NATO’s deterrence and defence. The draft proposal would make Finnish legislation compatible with NATO’s functions. The proposed amendment is part of the legislative reforms the Programme of Prime Minister Orpo’s Government outlines as necessary for Finland’s integration with NATO.

The amendment is proposed in order to maximise Finland’s security in an unpredictable operating environment. Its purpose is to ensure that all elements of NATO’s deterrence are credible and that the threshold of military action against Finland and the Alliance remains as high as possible. The amendment would strengthen deterrence, and its purpose is to prevent the use of military force against Finland and the Alliance.

Finland must contribute to the sustainment and development of NATO’s defence capability and, where necessary, to the full execution of NATO’s collective defence. The legislative amendment would enable not only NATO’s activities but also bilateral and multilateral cooperation. It would bring Finland’s contribution to NATO’s nuclear deterrence on a par with our closest allies.

According to NATO’s Strategic Concept, the fundamental purpose of NATO’s nuclear capability is to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression. As long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. However, NATO seeks to create the security environment for a world without nuclear weapons. NATO is a defensive alliance that fully complies with international law. All NATO member states, Finland included, are parties to the Treaty on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and are committed to its full implementation.

The proposed amendment would not mean that Finland would be seeking to have nuclear weapons in its territory. Finland does not seek to have nuclear weapons in its territory nor is NATO planning such a move. Moreover, the amendment would not impact NATO’s nuclear exercises as no nuclear weapons are moved during such exercises now or in future.

The proposed amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act would not conflict with Finland’s international obligations, and Finland would comply with the NPT, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and any other international agreement binding on Finland as before. Finland will continue its active efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and counter threats deriving from them.

It would still be in all situations punishable as a nuclear device offence to acquire, manufacture, develop and detonate nuclear devices and to conduct research for the purpose of manufacturing one. Moreover, nuclear device offences committed with a terrorist intent would remain criminalised as before.

The goal is for the amendments to enter into force as soon as possible.

The deadline for submitting comments is Thursday 2 April 2026.

Requests for interviews with Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 140 109.

Inquiries: Janne Kuusela, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence. Contact via Director of Communications, Niina Hyrsky, tel. +358 295 140 120 or tiedotus.plm@gov.fi.

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Otto Saxén appointed Director General of Defence Policy Department at Ministry of Defence

2026-03-05T11:40:00Z

Otto Saxén is currently serving as Deputy Director General of the Department for Defence Policy. He has also held other positions at the Ministry of Defence, including Director of the Defence Cooperation Unit, Ministerial Adviser and Senior Researcher at the Defence Cooperation Unit and Senior Researcher at the National Defence Unit. From 2009 to 2013, Saxén worked as Senior Specialist in defence policy at Finland’s Mission to NATO in Brussels.

The Defence Policy Department is responsible for bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation, the coordination of NATO and EU affairs within the branch of government, research and analysis as well as for matters concerning defence capability development and use, conscription, voluntary national defence and total defence. The Director General is reponsible for managing the department, ensuring that the department meets its objectives and facilitating cooperation between their department and the Ministry’s other departments.

Inquiries: Kati Virtanen, Director of the Personnel Unit, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 435.

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: NATO’s Forward Land Forces Multinational Staff Element to be established in Rovaniemi

2026-02-16T10:04:00Z

“Earlier we succeeded in securing the support of our Allies for our approach to FLF Finland. The implementation of that model has progressed well. The MNSE will form FLF Finland’s permanent presence in Northern Finland. The focus of FLF Finland’s battlegroup activities will be in Northern Finland and, largely supported by Rovaniemi and Sodankylä. Considering the synergies and the ability to support the activities, Rovaniemi is the best location for a permanent FLF Staff Element in Finland,” says Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The structure of the MNSE will evolve in the coming years. The plan is to have about half of its activities carried out by the framework nation and the host nation and the other half by the contributing Allies.

“The peacetime strength of the MNSE will reach the same level as the Multi Corps Land Component Command in Mikkeli. This is a step towards strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence in the High North and the Artic region. The MNSE should eventually have a few dozen employees. Together with the Allies contributing to FLF Finland, we are enhancing readiness across the Alliance and building even better interoperability,” says Minister Häkkänen.

The Forward Land Forces form a part of NATO’s peacetime activities. Under normal conditions, they train and exercise together with national home defence forces. Finland will permanently host the FLF’s Multinational Staff Element. Troops will be present in Finland for exercises and as required by the security situation. The FLF are part of NATO’s operations planning. Should the security situation change, the FLF presence could be scaled up to brigade size. Allies also exercise their ability to increase the land forces in peacetime.

Sweden as the framework nation, the United Kingdom, Italy, France and the Nordic countries Denmark, Norway and Iceland have announced their participation in NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Finland.

Inquiries: Samuli Puhakka, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 089. Requests for interviews with Minister Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 41 544 4967.

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