France has announced that the country intends to participate in the multinational NATO force FLF Finland, which is led by Sweden.
The Swedish Armed Forces state that the announcement was made at the NATO summit in Ankara. According to the Swedish Armed Forces, the French contribution means that FLF Finland will gain armed troops and capabilities from an additional allied nation.
"A French contribution to FLF Finland is very welcome. It demonstrates strong European cooperation, that we are taking responsibility for our shared security, and that we do not stand alone in the defence of northern Europe," says Johan Pekkari, Major General and Head of the Swedish Defence Staff's Strategy Section, according to the Swedish Armed Forces.
FLF Finland forms part of NATO's land defence and is one of nine multinational forces intended to strengthen the alliance's borders as well as its deterrence and defence. The force's headquarters is based in Rovaniemi, in northern Finland. Sweden's contribution to FLF Finland consists of a battalion battlegroup stationed in Boden (northern Sweden). The Swedish unit has been under NATO command since 6 June 2026 and, according to the Swedish Armed Forces, will be able to rapidly relocate to and reinforce northern Finland.
In the continued development of the multinational force, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Norway and the United Kingdom have also expressed their intention to contribute to FLF Finland, according to the Swedish Armed Forces.