NATO Displays Artillery Power In Finland As Message To Russia

NATO has launched its most extensive artillery drills, Lightning Strike 24, in Finland’s northern Lapland region, demonstrating its readiness close to the Russian border. Led by the US Army Europe and Africa, the exercise includes over 5,000 troops and 130 artillery systems from NATO and allied countries. The drills will extend until November 28.

While the drills span locations such as Poland, Germany, Romania and Estonia, Finland’s Lapland — near Russia’s Murmansk region — is the main focus. About 3,600 troops are stationed in Finland, highlighting the alliance’s strategic positioning near Russia.

Colonel Janne Makitalo, the commander of the exercise, emphasized NATO’s commitment to security, saying that the alliance’s forces could deploy quickly to support Finland if needed. “Allied support can come to Finland very quickly,” he noted, underscoring NATO’s defensive capabilities.

The US Army has a strong presence, including units like the 56th Artillery Command, 10th Mountain Division and the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. Finland’s membership in NATO, finalized in April 2023, has placed the nation in a vital position close to Russia, underscoring its role in regional security.

While Moscow has noted the exercises, Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly downplayed the significance of Finland and Sweden joining NATO. He suggested that the move may harm those countries more than Russia.

With Finland’s participation, NATO’s reach in northern Europe expands, adding new layers to its defense strategy. As tensions remain high, these drills send a clear signal of the alliance’s capabilities near Russia’s northern border.

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