NATO's Multi-Corps Land Component Command Northwest (MCLCC-NW) held its official inauguration on 3 October in Mikkeli, eastern Finland. The ceremony marks the start of the multinational staff's work, tasked with leading and coordinating NATO's land forces in the northern part of the alliance's area.

Finland's Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen thanked allied countries for their support in the establishment during the inauguration and emphasised the importance of the staff in the current security situation.

– We are facing a dangerous international security situation. Therefore, we are renewing and strengthening NATO with an unprecedented force. This staff plays an important role in ensuring security in our region for a long time to come, said Häkkänen, according to a press release from the Finnish Army.

MCLCC-NW is co-located with Finland's Army Staff and became operational at the beginning of September. The work began with a smaller group of international personnel, but more countries are expected to contribute staff officers in the coming months.

– The ceremony is not just a formal occasion. It symbolises what we have achieved so far and points to what remains, said Major General Jez Bennett, Deputy Commander of NATO's land forces.

The staff is responsible, among other things, for planning, leading, and coordinating allied exercises and land operations in the region.