Finland will take part in NATO's standing naval forces during 2027 with both vessels and personnel. The decision was approved by the Finnish Government on Wednesday and is seen as a signal of unity within the alliance, according to the Finnish Ministry of Defence.
Finland is contributing to the mine countermeasures force Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) with one Katanpää-class vessel. In addition, Finland maintains readiness to contribute, if needed, a Hamina-class vessel to Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1).
Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen describes the participation as a way of taking responsibility for security in the surrounding region.
"By taking part in tasks within NATO's collective defence in peacetime, we signal unity within the alliance and demonstrate readiness and defence capability. We are also showing responsibility for security in our neighbourhood and increasing stability in the Baltic Sea region. The security situation in the region has been heightened by Russia's ongoing hybrid activities," says Häkkänen.
Finland does not plan to contribute ground forces or air surveillance to other allied countries during 2027. Instead, the Finnish Army's activities will be concentrated on its own territory, including through the land tactical command and the Forward Land Forces (FLF).
"The progress of the F-35 introduction project will determine when Finland has the capacity to take part in air surveillance of other allied countries' airspace," says Häkkänen.