NATO’s Nordic Response 2024 exercise, led by Norway, began today with the participation of more than 20,000 military personnel from 13 countries, including Finland, the Associated Press reported.
“For the first time Finland will participate as a NATO member in an exercise dedicated to the collective defence of different parts of the alliance,” the Finnish Defence Forces said in a statement.
In particular, the Finnish command sent 4,000 military personnel to the exercise. Sweden, which in February finalised the approval of NATO countries to join the alliance, also sent 4,500 troops to the exercise.
Nordic Response 2024 is part of NATO’s largest Steadfast Defender 24 exercise since 1988. Other participants in Nordic Response 2024 include the USA, the UK, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, FRG, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Norway and Spain. Half of the forces participating in the exercise will be land forces, while the rest will train at sea.
According to the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, more than 50 submarines, frigates and corvettes, landing ships and more than 100 fighter jets, transport aircraft, maritime reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters are participating in the manoeuvres.
The exercise is expected to last until 15 March.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre plan to inspect the exercise in northern Norway on 7 March.
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