Massive NATO Drills In Finland Underscore Tensions Near Russia

NATO has commenced its largest artillery exercise, Lightning Strike 24, in northern Finland. Led by the US Army Europe and Africa, the drills bring together 5,000 troops and over 130 weapon systems from NATO and its allies. Scheduled to run through November 28, the exercises showcase NATO’s readiness near Russia’s border.

These drills are taking place across multiple locations, including Poland, Romania, and Germany. However, Finland’s Lapland region — close to Russia’s Murmansk area — is the main focus, with around 3,600 NATO troops stationed there.

Colonel Janne Makitalo, who leads the operation, highlighted NATO’s rapid response abilities. “Allied support can come to Finland very quickly,” he said, emphasizing NATO’s readiness to assist Finland in the event of a threat.

The US has contributed major units, such as the 56th Artillery Command and 10th Mountain Division, to participate in the drills. Finland joined NATO in April 2023, putting it in a strategically significant position near Russia’s northern border.

While NATO expands its presence in Finland, Russian President Vladimir Putin has downplayed the move, calling it an unimportant action that could harm Finland and Sweden more than Russia itself.

With the drills in progress, NATO has demonstrated its commitment to security in the Baltic region, with Finland now playing a central role in the alliance’s northern defenses.

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