Finland hosts new NATO ground forces headquarters near Russian border

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has officially inaugurated its Northern European Land Forces Headquarters (MCLCC) in Mikkeli, Finland, on October 3. The city is located approximately 300 kilometres from St. Petersburg, Russia. This development was confirmed by the agency’s press service, as reported by Caliber.Az.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen recalled Finland’s strategic objective, set in autumn 2023, to establish a NATO-subordinate land forces headquarters on its territory. This goal received formal endorsement at the NATO Defence Ministers’ meeting in June 2024.

“One year later, we are proud to open this headquarters in Finland,” Häkkänen stated.

The Minister emphasised that the establishment of the headquarters will significantly enhance NATO’s operational capabilities in Northern Europe while simultaneously bolstering Finland’s national security. Currently, the headquarters employs approximately 10 personnel, with plans to expand to 50 staff members during peacetime.

According to an official statement from the Finnish Ministry of Defence, the headquarters will be responsible for the planning and coordination of NATO ground forces across the Northern European region.

Under routine conditions, it will oversee NATO exercises and related activities. However, in crisis or conflict scenarios, the headquarters will assume command and control over land operations and defence initiatives in the strategically sensitive High North.

By Tamilla Hasanova