Sweden and Finland Strengthen NATO’s Defence on the Northern Flank

On Sweden’s National Day June 6, a ceremony was held in Boden to mark the establishment of NATO’s latest multinational force – Forward Land Forces Finland (FLF FIN) – with representatives from the Swedish Armed Forces, Finnish Defence Forces, NATO and specially invited guests.

Just outside Boden in northern Sweden, soldiers and equipment from the Norrbotten Brigade assembled to signify the establishment of FLF Finland, with Sweden as the Framework Nation and Finland as the Host Nation. The ceremony constitutes a major milestone in the creation of the Alliance’s newest Forward Land Forces formation on the northern flank.

“The northern flank places specific demands on the units that will operate there. It involves subarctic climate, vast distances, limited infrastructure and extensive roadless terrain. The units of the Norrbotten Brigade have long experience of training and operating under these conditions and can rapidly act across the entire area of operations,” says Daniel Rydberg, Commander of NATO’s multinational force in Boden.

The force now being established initially consists of a trained battalion battle group. By the addition of units and capabilities from other Allied nations it can expand to brigade level. Basing in Boden provides excellent sustainability while maintaining the required level of readiness.

In Rovaniemi, Finland, the Multinational Support Element (MNSE) is being established. This staff element will form part of the same FLF structure and will at the inception consist of a number of staff officers from Sweden, Finland and the United Kingdom.

“The Swedish-Finnish defence cooperation builds on many years of close collaboration and creates excellent conditions for the establishment of FLF Finland. Finland has NATO’s longest land border with Russia, which makes the northeastern flank an area of great importance for the Alliance’s collective deterrence and defence,” says Jonny Lindfors, Chief of the Swedish Army.

"The integration of Finland and Sweden into Joint Force Command Norfolk’s Joint Operating Area has significantly strengthened NATO’s posture in the High North. By integrating their capabilities, expertise, and national defence plans into NATO’s regional defence architecture, we have enhanced our ability to deter aggression, reinforce Allies, and defend the Alliance’s northern flank. Forward Land Forces Finland is a tangible expression of that integration - providing a credible, multinational capability that strengthens our command and control of the region and contributes directly to activities such as Arctic Sentry, where we validate our readiness, interoperability, and ability to operate effectively in Arctic and sub-Arctic environments," highlighted Vice Admiral James Morley, the Deputy Commander of NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk.

As a key component of NATO’s deterrence and defence posture, FLF Finland strengthens Allied command and control, improves regional responsiveness, and enhances the Alliance’s ability to receive, integrate, sustain, and employ multinational forces. The brigade will also play an important role in JFC Norfolk led Arctic Sentry activities, helping to validate NATO’s operational concepts, improve interoperability, and ensure the Alliance remains prepared to defend the region under the most demanding conditions.

Fact Box

Forward Land Forces (FLF) form part of NATO’s enhanced deterrence and defence measures along the Alliance’s northeastern flank. The concept is based on multinational forces held at high readiness that can be reinforced as required.

FLF Finland consists of Finland as Host Nation and Sweden as Framework Nation. The Swedish units are based in Boden but will be able to operate throughout the entire area of operations. At the same time, a permanent multinational staff unit (MNSE) is being established in Rovaniemi as an integral part of the same FLF structure.

With Sweden and Finland being part of NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk’s Joint Operations Area, FLF Finland will play a pivotal role in Arctic Sentry – the Alliance’s military activity in the Arctic and High North – contributing to an enhanced presence and situational awareness of Allied Forces, synchronized activities, and integration of modernised capabilities.