Finland will propose that NATO's command systems unit be located in the country. This was announced by Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen in a press release from the Finnish Ministry of Defence.
According to Häkkänen, the unit would enhance NATO's ability to command and support forces throughout the alliance's northern area. He highlights that the unit will play a central role in supporting the troops and structures under the joint force command in Norfolk.
Finland has previously received allied approval to establish both a land component command (MCLCC) and forward land forces in the country. Häkkänen emphasises that a command systems unit would create significant synergies with these existing NATO structures and provide an opportunity to further develop the compatibility between Finland's and NATO's command system services.
The work to advance the issue has been ongoing for a long time. According to the Ministry of Defence, the intention is for a decision on the location to be made at NATO's defence ministers' meeting in February 2026.
The unit is to provide data communication and information system services for NATO's troops and command bodies in Finland, and if necessary, for the entire alliance. If the establishment goes ahead, it will be part of NATO's permanent command structure and may thus be eligible for joint funding. The personnel strength is estimated to correspond to approximately 50 soldiers, with positions filled by Finnish personnel.