Finland exploring options for NATO troop deployment

Finland is studying the possibility of deploying North Atlantic Alliance troops and actions of allied forces on its territory, Lieutenant General Janne Jaakkola, the new commander of the Finnish Defence Forces, told reporters, Interfax reports.

"We don't have decisions on this, but we are looking at different options, whether it is extended training activities, a rotational model or other activities," he said. - Finland has a relatively strong defence force and there is no urgent need for troops at the moment. But it is not out of the question."

Jaakkola added that plans are being drawn up for how NATO will organise its command structure and how Allied forces can operate in Finland. In this regard, the question of whether Finland should have troops from other NATO countries is being considered. The discussion on this topic will focus on the command structure and how NATO is preparing for operations in the north.

Jaakkola said that "there is no immediate military threat to Finland", the development depends largely on the situation in Ukraine.

Finland is the only country that does not have troops from other NATO countries on a permanent basis. So far, it has not requested a permanent presence of troops from other countries.

Jaakkola took up his new post on April 1, 2024.