NATO Begins Massive Artillery Drills In Finland Near Russia
NATO launched its largest artillery exercises, Lightning Strike 24, in Finland’s northern Lapland region, marking a bold display of force near Russia’s border. The drills, led by the US Army Europe and Africa, showcase over 5,000 troops from 28 countries and involve more than 130 artillery systems. The exercises will continue through November 28, highlighting NATO’s military capabilities.
The drills involve not only Finland but also other countries like Germany, Poland, Romania and Estonia. However, Finland’s Lapland region — located close to Russia’s Murmansk area — is the most watched location in these exercises. Roughly 3,600 NATO troops will conduct drills in Finland alone, making it the largest deployment in the exercises.
NATO Kicks Off Largest Artillery Drills In Finland, On Russia's Northern Doorstep
The US Army is the most sizeable component of the exercise… pic.twitter.com/cV054Xzya6— Rami. (@ThrilledBe) November 5, 2024
Exercise Commander Colonel Janne Makitalo emphasized NATO’s ability to respond to threats in northern Europe. “Our field artillery combined with Allied capabilities forms powerful defense,” he said, adding that NATO support can reach Finland quickly if needed.
The US has deployed major units, including the 56th Artillery Command, 10th Mountain Division and 82nd Airborne Division, to participate in the event. Finland’s new role in NATO, after joining in April 2023, puts it in a key position near Russia, increasing its importance in regional security.
Finland will place a NATO base in Mikkeli, under 200 km from Russia, to reinforce its defense.
Defense Minister Hakkanen says it will send a strong message to Moscow. pic.twitter.com/phJHyy19GK
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 22, 2024
While NATO moves forward with the drills, Russia has reacted with caution. Russian President Vladimir Putin downplayed the significance of Finland’s NATO entry, suggesting that joining NATO could end up harming Finland more than Russia.
⚡️Today, for the first time in history, NATO will start military exercises on the territory of Finland, which has 1,340 kilometers of a common border with Russia
Maneuvers called Nordic Response 24 will also take place in the northern regions of Norway and Sweden and will last… pic.twitter.com/xGdXflMYRC
— Jürgen Nauditt 🇩🇪🇺🇦 (@jurgen_nauditt) March 4, 2024
Finland shares a lengthy 830-mile border with Russia, making the region a crucial area for NATO. With Finland and Sweden joining the alliance, NATO’s presence in the Baltic region is expanding, adding pressure to Moscow.