Finland's Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen, has decided that Rovaniemi (northern Finland) will be the location for NATO's Forward Land Forces (FLF) Multinational Staff Element (MNSE). The decision signifies a permanent NATO presence in northern Finland.

– The implementation of this model has progressed well. MNSE will constitute FLF Finland's permanent presence in northern Finland. Considering the synergies and the ability to support operations, Rovaniemi is the best location for a permanent FLF staff element in Finland, says Antti Häkkänen in a press release.

The new unit is expected to have a peacetime personnel level comparable to NATO's Multi Corps Land Component Command in St. Michel (Mikkeli, eastern Finland), which means a couple of dozen employees. The headquarters in St. Michel was inaugurated in October 2025.

– This is a step towards strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence in the High North and the Arctic. Together with the allies contributing to FLF Finland, we enhance readiness across the entire alliance and build even better interoperability, says Häkkänen.

Sweden participates as a framework nation in FLF Finland, alongside the United Kingdom, France, and the Nordic countries Denmark, Norway, and Iceland.

Forward Land Forces is part of NATO's peacetime activities and normally trains together with national defence forces. Finland will be the permanent host for the multinational staff, while troop presence will occur during exercises or if the security situation requires it.