Colonel Daniel Rydberg, commander of the Norrbotten Brigade at Norrbotten Regiment in Boden (northern Sweden), will in early summer take command of the Swedish contribution to NATO's Forward Land Forces (FLF) in Finland, according to a press release from the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten).
FLF Finland is a multinational NATO force designed to strengthen deterrence and defence in northern Europe. It consists of a Swedish battalion battle group and a multinational headquarters element based in Finland.
"Forward Land Forces in Finland is NATO's foremost line of defence in the north. There we stand together with Finland and allies to deter aggression and defend the Nordic region," says Daniel Rydberg.
Sweden will serve as the framework nation, while Finland is the host nation. The Swedish force is based in Boden (northern Sweden) and a multinational headquarters will be established in Rovaniemi (northern Finland, near the Arctic). The build-up is proceeding in stages and encompasses recruitment, planning, and the establishment of infrastructure. The Swedish Armed Forces state that FLF Finland will contribute to rapid deployment and strengthened defence capability in the High North (Nordkalotten).
"This is an important mission for Sweden and NATO. We contribute to stability, deterrence, and defence in a strategically important area," says Daniel Rydberg.
Nordic Defence Sector (NDS) has previously reported on FLF Finland and Sweden's contribution. Among other things, the Swedish government has proposed that the country contribute 600 soldiers to the force, with the option to expand to 1,200 if needed.