In a show of force near Russia’s border, NATO has begun its largest artillery exercises, Lightning Strike 24, in Finland’s Lapland region. Led by the US Army Europe and Africa, the drills involve more than 5,000 troops and 130 artillery systems from NATO and allied countries. The exercises are set to last until November 28 and demonstrate NATO’s commitment to regional defense.
These drills take place not only in Finland but also in Poland, Romania, Germany and Estonia. However, Finland’s location near Russia’s Murmansk region makes it a significant site, drawing attention from Moscow. About 3,600 troops will participate in the Finnish portion of the drills.
NATO Kicks Off Largest Artillery Drills In Finland, On Russia's Northern Doorstep
The US Army is the most sizeable component of the exercise… pic.twitter.com/cV054Xzya6— Rami. (@ThrilledBe) November 5, 2024
Colonel Janne Makitalo, the exercise commander, stressed the importance of NATO’s rapid response capabilities. “Allied support can come to Finland very quickly,” he said, pointing to NATO’s ability to defend Finland if needed.
The US Army has a strong presence in the exercise, with units like the 56th Artillery Command, 10th Mountain Division and 1st Cavalry Division. Finland’s entry into NATO in April 2023 places it in a strategic location, enhancing NATO’s northern defense.
Finland will place a NATO base in Mikkeli, under 200 km from Russia, to reinforce its defense.
Defense Minister Hakkanen says it will send a strong message to Moscow. pic.twitter.com/phJHyy19GK
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 22, 2024
Russia’s response has been relatively calm. President Vladimir Putin recently dismissed the NATO memberships of Finland and Sweden as “meaningless,” indicating that these moves could have a negative impact on the countries themselves rather than on Russia.
⚡️Today, for the first time in history, NATO will start military exercises on the territory of Finland, which has 1,340 kilometers of a common border with Russia
Maneuvers called Nordic Response 24 will also take place in the northern regions of Norway and Sweden and will last… pic.twitter.com/xGdXflMYRC
— Jürgen Nauditt 🇩🇪🇺🇦 (@jurgen_nauditt) March 4, 2024
As NATO bolsters its presence in Finland, tensions remain high. Finland’s membership, along with Sweden’s, expands NATO’s reach in northern Europe, raising security stakes in the region.
