Finland, which recently became a member of NATO after Turkey approved its candidacy last month, launched air exercises with over A dozen member states and 150 aircraft on Monday.
“He started rehearsing today. We currently You have first big “The shift is on,” Colonel Henrik Ielo of the Finnish Air Force, who is hosting the exercise, told AFP.
for about two weeks, soldiers And combat aircraft from 14 countries, 12 of which are members of NATO, will participate in Mainly exercises over Northern regions of Sweden.
“As an exercise progressesThe scenarios are gradually evolving more Elo said.
After decades of abandonment of military Non-Aligned, Finland – which shares 1,300 km (800 mi) border with Russia – became the newest member of NATO in April. However, the Scandinavian country was a partner of across the Atlantic military Alliance since the 90’s.
“Exercise Arctic Challenge,” hosted Twice a year by the Nordic countries countries Since 2013, this year Sees the Netherlands, Belgium, Britain, Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, the Czech Republic and the United States, in In addition to the host countries.
“This is the biggest one of “These exercises have been organized so far,” Elo said.
I will rehearse start with simulation of defensive operations to protect airspace from attackers, with offensive Items such as air and ground attacks were introduced later.
NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft – which can monitor area almost big Like Poland – will also Involved in the exercise.
Elo said, “Coordination with Our NATO allies and partners on the performance of the different equipment Really important.”
The US State Department said that minister of Anthony Blinken State also He is due to travel to Finland this week.
