Major artillery exercise kicks off in Finland’s training area near border with Russia

Finland’s largest artillery and mortar exercise, Northern Strike 225, led by the Kainuu Brigade, kicked off on November 17 at the Rovajärvi training area in Eastern Lapland — the largest training ground in Western Europe, some 100 kilometres from Russian border.

The exercise aims to test and develop the Finnish Army’s artillery capabilities under challenging early winter conditions. Lieutenant Colonel Kimmo Ruotsalainen, the exercise commander, described it as “the most significant artillery and mortar firing exercise in Northern Finland for conscripts returning home in December, Caliber.Az reports via Finnish media. 

Northern Strike 225 involves approximately 2,200 personnel and 500 vehicles from the Kainuu Brigade, the Pori Brigade, the Jaeger Brigade, and the Border Guard.

The exercise will also feature an international component, with a Polish heavy rocket launcher battery of roughly 40 personnel participating.

The exercise is scheduled to conclude on November 25.

By Sabina Mammadli