NATO Establishes New Land Command in Finland Near Russian Border

NATO will set up a new land command in Finland near the Russian border in 2024, focusing on leading land force operations in northern Europe during a military conflict. Finland joined NATO in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The command will collaborate with Finland's existing land force command in Mikkeli.

NATO has announced plans to establish a new land command in Finland next year, just near the Russian border, to direct the alliance's land force operations in northern Europe during potential military conflicts, according to Finland's defense minister.

Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen confirmed that the proposed command would be integrated with the Army Headquarters in Mikkeli, following NATO members' political consent. The Multi Corps Land Component Command will fall under NATO's Norfolk Joint Force Command and align with Finland's existing land force command in Mikkeli, located roughly two hours from the Finnish-Russian border.

The unit, set to function with an annual budget of 8.5 million euros, will consist of a few dozen international officials. Unlike Baltic countries, Finland will not seek a permanent multinational force due to its considerable national military. The Finnish army commander noted that the new unit's geographic scope will be determined later but will initially oversee Nordic land force operations planning.

(With inputs from agencies.)