Finland is known as the European country with the longest land border with Russia. In fact, Finland has historically had a tendency not to have any problems with Russia and to solve problems through diplomatic means. For this reason, this small and underpopulated country, which became independent after the Bolshevik Revolution, was able to maintain its independence. However, Russia’s annexation of Crimea in violation of international law in 2014, the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine War in 2022 and the fact that Europe is under threat have forced the Helsinki administration to abandon the policy of military neutrality that it has successfully implemented for many years.
In this context, Finland believes that it can prevent possible attacks that may oppose its sovereign rights and independence through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In this context, the country applied for NATO membership together with Sweden.
However, it is known that one of the reasons for the war in Ukraine is Kiev’s NATO orientation, and Russia is developing a reflex against the containment policy implemented by NATO in a sense. In such a situation, the fact that Helsinki and Stockholm applied for NATO membership and there were no significant obstacles to Finland’s membership attracted Moscow’s reaction.
As it can be understood, the main reason for this orientation of Finland is the concern about the possible intervention of Russia. In addition, Finland is positioned at an anti-Russian point with the support of NATO in the formations of the air defense system of the Scandinavian countries. Because the air forces of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark are in search of a common system against a possible Russian attack in the future. This system is aimed at the collective defense of the Nordic countries. Moreover, this regional pursuit is also supported by NATO. For example, in his statement on the subject, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana said:[1]
“This commitment is even more vital today, when we are witnessing Russia’s brutal and indiscriminate attacks in Ukraine that have led to the death of civilians and the destruction of critical infrastructure.”
This formation, which is also supported and appreciated by NATO; It includes various aircraft, air fleets and defense systems. For example, Finland will have 62 F/A-18 Hornet Jets and 64 F-35s upon arrival of orders. Norway has 57 F-16s and 37 F-35s. 15 F-35 orders have just been placed and the existing capacity is wanted to be strengthened Denmark also has 58 F-16s and has ordered 27 F-35s.[2]
As a result, the Helsinki administration’s NATO membership process was concluded and Finland became the 31st NATO country by obtaining the fastest membership in history. This process also strengthens the search for regional security in Scandinavia. In this sense, concerns about Russian aggression lead actors to seek common air defense. This situation is likely to push the Moscow administration to new searches. It is a matter of curiosity how the Kremlin administration, reacting to Kiev’s NATO orientation, will react to the Scandinavian countries, especially Finland.
[1] “NATO Üyesi 14 Ülke Ortak Hava Savunma Sistemi Oluşturmak İçin Anlaştı”, Independent Türkçe, https://www.indyturk.com/node/563516/d%C3%BCnya/nato-%C3%BCyesi-14-%C3%BClke-ortak-hava-savunma-sistemi-olu%C5%9Fturmak-i%C3%A7in-anla%C5%9Ft%C4%B1, (Date of Accession: 27.03.2023).
[2] “İskandinav Ülkelerinden Rusya’ya Karşı Ortak Hava Savunması”, VOA Türkçe, https://www.voaturkce.com/a/iskandinav-ulkelerinden-rusya-karsi-ortak-hava-savunmasi/7020379.html, (Date of Accession: 27.03.2023).
