Italy becomes the next country to join NATO's Forward Land Forces in Finland (FLF Finland). The presence is led by Sweden as the framework nation, with Finland as the host nation.
Italy has confirmed its participation in NATO's Forward Land Forces in Finland, Forward Land Forces (FLF). This is stated in a press release from Finland's Ministry of Defence. The announcement was made during a bilateral meeting between Finland's Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen and Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto on 22 October.
– Italy is one of Europe's leading states and a strong actor in NATO … This is an important step in our work to develop Finland's FLF, says Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen in a statement from the country's Ministry of Defence.
FLF Finland is part of NATO's forward presence on the alliance's northern flank. Sweden is the framework nation and Finland the host nation. According to the Swedish government, a Swedish battlegroup is intended to form the core of the presence.
– It is good for Nordic and transatlantic security that Italy now joins FLF Finland. Together with the United Kingdom, France, and the Nordic countries, we are now strengthening the deterrence capability against Russia in northern Europe, says Defence Minister Pål Jonson in a statement from the Ministry of Defence.
In addition to Sweden and Finland, Denmark, France, Iceland, Norway, and the United Kingdom have previously announced their intention to participate in the build-up of NATO's forward presence in Finland. According to Finland, exercise activities will commence in 2025, and the forces are part of NATO's operational planning for collective defence in peacetime.