Finland has no plans to deploy nuclear weapons on its territory

Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen has said that Finland intends to remain a nuclear-weapon-free state and has no plans to deploy nuclear weapons on its territory, even as a NATO member.

"There are no prerequisites for nuclear weapons to be stored or placed in new locations," Häkkänen said in an interview with Ilta-Sanomat newspaper.

He said NATO has no plans in principle to deploy nuclear weapons in new countries other than where they already exist.

Nevertheless, the Finnish defence minister noted that Finland will not hinder the alliance's nuclear strategy. The newspaper notes that NATO could, in theory, use the republic's territory to deliver nuclear weapons to their target.

"I will not speculate on various scenarios, but it is generally clear that Finland should not, on its own initiative, impose any restrictions on NATO's exercise of nuclear deterrence," Häkkänen said.

Finland officially joined NATO on April 4, 2023.