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Sweden at the Core of New NATO Force

The multinational NATO force FLF Finland will be led by Sweden from Boden, with an accompanying staff element in Finnish Rovaniemi. The concept and capability for large-scale troop movements have recently been tested during the exercise Cold Response 26, with the aim of formally establishing the force later this year.

Sweden at the Core of New NATO Force

Sweden will form the core of NATO's new forward presence, Forward Land Forces (FLF) Finland, which is to be established before the NATO summit in Ankara this summer. This is stated in a joint declaration from the defence ministers of Sweden, Finland, and Norway in connection with the Cold Response 26 exercise.

– Security in the northern regions is becoming a crucial issue for NATO, writes Defence Minister Pål Jonson on X.

During the Cold Response 26 exercise, discussions were held regarding the next steps for the force. The talks took place between Pål Jonson, Finland's Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen, and Norway's Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik.

According to the press release, FLF (Forward Land Forces) Finland will be the ninth force of its kind within the alliance. The force is said to be an important part of NATO's enhanced deterrence and defence in Northern Europe.

– FLF Finland will include the Swedish-led battle group based in Boden (northern Sweden) and a multinational staff element in Rovaniemi (northern Finland), explains Jonson on X.

The exercise Cold Response 26 is part of NATO's larger activity Arctic Sentry. According to the press release, the exercise has been used to demonstrate large-scale troop movements from Sweden to northern Finland. This concretely shows how quickly allied forces can reinforce the region.

Several allied countries plan to contribute to the development of the new force. Both the press release and the defence minister's post confirm that Norway, Denmark, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom are participating, and that Iceland has also expressed an intention to contribute.

FAQ

Hur kommer Sverige att bidra till Natos nya framskjutna närvaro i Finland?
Sverige kommer att utgöra kärnan i Natos nya framskjutna närvaro, FLF Finland. Den svenskledda stridsgruppen baserad i Boden och ett multinationellt stabselement i Rovaniemi ingår. Detta stärker Natos avskräckning och försvar i norra Europa. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-03-19.
Vad är syftet med övningen Cold Response 26 inom Nato?
Syftet med övningen Cold Response 26 är att demonstrera storskaliga truppförflyttningar inom Nato. Övningen visar hur snabbt allierade förband kan förstärka regionen från Sverige till norra Finland. Den ingår i Natos större aktivitet Arctic Sentry. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-03-19.
Vilka länder planerar att bidra till utvecklingen av FLF Finland?
Norge, Danmark, Frankrike, Italien och Storbritannien planerar att bidra till utvecklingen av FLF Finland. Även Island har uttryckt en avsikt att bidra. Dessa länder bekräftar sitt deltagande genom pressmeddelandet och försvarsministerns inlägg. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-03-19.