Finland, NATO to hold large naval drills near Russian border

Finland will conduct large-scale naval exercises near its border with Russia with the participation of NATO forces, according to the country’s Armed Forces.

The drills, titled Narrow Waters 26-1, are scheduled to take place from May 18 to 29 in the Gulf of Finland, as well as in coastal areas of southern Finland and the Archipelago Sea. Approximately 3,000 military personnel are expected to take part.

The exercises are aimed at testing the readiness of participating forces to operate in conditions of a potential armed conflict, including the deployment of maritime and aerial unmanned systems.

Finnish forces will be joined by units from NATO allies, including around 100 personnel from the German Navy’s coastal ranger company and approximately 30 U.S. Marines.

The announcement comes as Nordic countries step up military activity and coordination in the Baltic region amid heightened tensions.

By Tamilla Hasanova