Finland launched the Northern Strike 26 exercises on May 2 at the Vuosanka training area in the Kainuu region, located about 70 kilometers from the Russian border. More than 600 military personnel are participating, and aviation is involved.
This is reported by the press service of the Finnish Army.
According to the announcement, the Northern Strike 26 exercises will take place from May 2 to May 12. The Kainuu Artillery Regiment will train at the Vuosanka training area. More than 600 military personnel will participate in the exercises. Aviation is expected to be involved.
"Many spring exercises will take place in Kainuu under the leadership of the Kainuu Brigade, primarily at or near the Vuosanka training area. Exercises will also be conducted from the air, for example, using helicopters. The movement of military equipment, especially between Kajaani and Vuosanka, will be intense throughout May," the official statement said.
According to the press service, large-scale exercises with allies will take place in Finland in May. A total of about 19,000 military personnel from Estonia, Lithuania, Norway, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, Hungary, Poland, and Finland itself will participate.
By mid-month, on May 18, 4,500 NATO soldiers will train in the Vuosanka area.
The exercises will be part of a larger series of maneuvers involving NATO countries and partners — in May, up to 19,000 military personnel are planned to be engaged in Finland. The increased activity near the borders of Russia may heighten tensions in the region, especially against the backdrop of expanding military cooperation among Western countries.
The expansion of military activity near the border with Russia reflects the growing attention to regional security in Northern Europe. At the same time, it demonstrates Finland and its allies' readiness to coordinate actions, writes bb.lv.
