NATO holds major artillery exercise in Finland, close to Russian border

(CLO) Thousands of NATO troops are conducting the largest artillery exercise ever held in Europe, taking place in the Arctic region of Finland. This is seen as a signal to Russia in the context of the escalating conflict in Ukraine.

About 3,600 troops from the United States, Sweden, Britain, France and other NATO members are taking part in live-fire exercises in the snowy mountainous region of Lapland near the Russian border. The exercises are part of Operation Dynamic Front 25, which includes similar exercises in Estonia, Germany, Romania and Poland involving a total of about 5,000 troops.

Members of the British Armed Forces' 19th Royal Artillery Regiment fire during a live-fire exercise, on November 18, 2024, in Lapland, Finland. Photo: AFP

This is the first time Finland has held a major exercise since joining NATO last year. Finland's decision to join the alliance, after decades of military non-alignment, was prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Finland shares a 1,340-km border with Russia and the exercises are highly symbolic. “These exercises are intended to send a message to other countries, especially Russia, that NATO is united and ready to defend its members,” said Joel Linnainmaki, a researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs.

Meanwhile, Colonel Janne Makitalo, head of the exercise in Finland, stressed that the main goal was to improve coordination between NATO artillery units and prepare for harsh conditions in the Arctic. "We want to show that NATO is capable of exercising together and constantly developing joint resources," he said.

He also dismissed suggestions that this was a provocation to Russia, saying: “This is not a show of force. Finland’s entry into NATO has brought an additional 280,000 troops to the alliance’s northern European region.”

Map showing the location of Finnish Lapland, which is very close to the border with Russia. Photo: GI

At Rovajarvi, Europe’s largest shooting range at over 1,000 square kilometres, soldiers practice live fire and maneuver in extreme weather conditions. The area is above the Arctic Circle, where the sun rises at 9:30am and sets before 3pm in the winter.

Temperatures here often drop below -20°C, and soldiers must adapt to the harsh climate. “This is a rare place where you can exercise on a real scale,” said Lieutenant Antti-Matti Puisto of the Finnish Karelia Brigade.

“Our goal is to hone our combat skills in a very cold environment, while also enhancing our ability to coordinate with our NATO allies,” said Captain Romain, commander of the French artillery unit of the 93rd Mountain Artillery Regiment.

The participation of allied nations is historic, as Finnish soldier Olli Myllymaki said: “We are making history and it is great to see other nations training together in Finland.”

As Russia faces military losses in Ukraine, NATO's presence in the Arctic near Russia's borders is seen as a strategic deterrent.

Cao Phong (according to CNA, Reuters, AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nato-tap-tran-phao-binh-lon-o-phan-lan-ngay-gan-bien-gioi-voi-nga-post322080.html