In 2027, Finland will participate in NATO's Standing Naval Forces with both ships and personnel. The decision was approved by the Council of State on Wednesday and is seen as a signal of unity within the alliance, according to the Finnish Ministry of Defence.
Finland will contribute to the mine countermeasures force Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) with a vessel from the Katanpää-class. In addition, there is readiness to participate, if necessary, with a vessel from the Hamina-class in the Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1).
Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen describes the participation as a way to take responsibility for security in the surrounding area.
– By participating in tasks within NATO's collective defence in peacetime, we signal unity within the alliance and demonstrate readiness and defence capability. We also show responsibility for security in our vicinity and increase stability in the Baltic Sea region. The security situation in the region has been accentuated by Russia's ongoing hybrid activities, says Häkkänen.
Finland does not plan to participate with ground forces or air surveillance in other allied countries during 2027. The Army's activities will instead be concentrated on its own territory, including through the ground tactical command and the forward land force (FLF).
– The progress of the F-35 implementation project will determine when Finland has the opportunity to participate in air surveillance of other allied countries' airspace, says Häkkänen.