US And NATO Allies Conduct Largest Artillery Drills In Finland

In a move highlighting NATO’s defense strategies, the alliance launched its biggest artillery drills, Lightning Strike 24, in Finland’s northern Lapland. Organized by the US Army Europe and Africa, the exercises involve more than 5,000 troops and 130 artillery systems from 28 NATO and allied nations. The drills will last until November 28.

These maneuvers, while spread across Germany, Poland, Romania and Estonia, are focused in Finland. Finland’s Lapland region is particularly sensitive, given its proximity to Russia’s Murmansk area. A total of 3,600 NATO troops are stationed in Finland, showcasing the alliance’s rapid response capabilities.

Colonel Janne Makitalo, who leads the drills, emphasized the alliance’s readiness to support Finland. “Our field artillery combined with Allied capabilities forms powerful defense,” he said, noting NATO’s ability to respond quickly in the region.

The US military plays a major role in the drills, with units such as the 56th Artillery Command, 10th Mountain Division and NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. Finland, which joined NATO in April 2023, is now in a crucial position near Russia.

President Vladimir Putin has downplayed the significance of Finland and Sweden’s NATO memberships, labeling the move as unimportant and potentially harmful to the countries themselves. Russia’s concerns over NATO’s expansion, however, remain.

With the drills underway, NATO continues to build its presence in northern Europe. Finland’s involvement signals a strategic shift, strengthening NATO’s reach in the Arctic and Baltic regions.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR