NATO join Finnish military for "Freezing Winds 24" drills in Baltic Sea 4,000 troops mobilised

The Finnish Navy has commenced its main exercises for the autumn, with the international "Freezing Winds 24" drills officially underway in southern Finland and the Northern Baltic Sea.

Running from November 18 to 29, the exercises involve not only the Finnish Navy, but also the Army, Air Force, Logistics Command, and the Border Guard, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Forces from several NATO member nations, including the United States, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, are also participating.

Around 30 warships, along with other vessels and land forces, are taking part, bringing together a total of 4,000 troops across the Finnish coast and the Baltic Sea. The exercises also feature approximately ten military aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters. Residents in southern Finland may experience increased noise from the air operations.

Exercise director, Navy Captain Marko Laaksonen, emphasised that with Finland's NATO integration, the "Freezing Winds" drills have become a key component of NATO’s operations in the Baltic region. 

The challenging weather conditions in the Baltic Sea area during November offer a unique training opportunity, with heavy snowfalls and autumn storms common at this time of year.

“We must ensure interoperability under all conditions, and these exercises in such unique weather will undoubtedly strengthen our readiness,” Laaksonen stated.

By Aghakazim Guliyev