The joint exercises aim to strengthen Finland's security in the face of the Russian threat

2024-06-09 22:34:01, Kosova & Bota CNA

The joint exercises aim to strengthen Finland's security in the face of the

On May 31, US troops completed the first ever drills to reinforce northern Finland in the event of a Russian attack. Norway and Finland recently signed defense agreements with the US military, giving it access to bases in the deep northern parts of their territories. Voice of America correspondent Henry Wilkins spoke with the Finnish defense minister and American officers about the importance of this joint exercise for the region.

The Black Hawk helicopter is simulating a medical evacuation as part of the annual Northern Forest 24 exercise, which this year is being held in Finland. The United States sent 2,000 soldiers to participate in the exercise, the first time it has sent so many troops for training. The soldiers traveled as part of a convoy through Norway and Sweden, simulating the reinforcement of Finland, one of NATO's newest members, in the event of an attack. It is the first time that this country makes such a maneuver.

Asked what challenges American soldiers faced while operating in the northern Arctic for the first time, one American soldier responded....

“Fast unloading of boats. It had been a long time since we had done such a thing. Then for many soldiers it was a challenge to adapt to the cold climate, because we are not used to it."

There have been serious concerns about Russia's geopolitical intentions in the region since the Russian attack on Ukraine in 2022.

Norway and Finland, which border Russia, have signed defense deals with the United States in recent months, giving US forces access to bases and training areas in the deep north of the two countries, such as the Rovajarvi base.

Norway has been a member of NATO since 1949, but Finland joined the alliance last year.

US forces also participated in the exercise to ensure that the armies can operate together. Under NATO rules, if a member country is attacked, all allies are expected to help defend it.

The United States has historically considered Finland a partner, but its status as a NATO member country means that the American commitment to it is much greater.

"We had a very strong partnership with Finland even before we were part of NATO and this is just an extension of that partnership and overall capabilities. We are happy for our cooperation in the future."

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen says Russia should not treat the drills as a provocation.

"It's only about our defense. Every country has the right to train and train the army with NATO allies, this is our message."

Until 2022, Finland had good relations with Russia, before taking the decision to join NATO after the extensive Russian attack on Ukraine. Moscow has called Finland's membership in NATO a dangerous historical mistake that will weaken the security of the entire region and increase the likelihood of a conflict./ VOA