Breaking News
NATO Launches Dynamic Front 25 in Finland Focusing on Multinational Artillery Brigade Coordination.
On November 12, 2024, NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps announced that Finnish artillery units, Maavoimat, had welcomed units from the Multi-National Artillery Brigade (MN-FAB) as part of the Dynamic Front exercise, with Swiss observers invited by France. This multinational training, gathering forces from several allied nations, is taking place in Finland's arctic forests and other regions in Europe, illustrating NATO’s commitment to cooperation and interoperability across varied and extreme environments.
Finland's K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer (Picture source: NATO)
The Multi-National Artillery Brigade (MN-FAB) functions as a distinct unit within NATO's force structure, yet it has unique characteristics that differentiate it from traditional brigades. As a multinational unit, the MN-FAB is composed of artillery sub-units from various NATO member states, granting it a flexible and scalable structure. Unlike a permanent brigade with fixed personnel and equipment, it operates as an ad hoc formation, mobilizing national contingents for specific exercises or in response to crises.
Finland, a recent NATO member, is currently hosting NATO troops in joint exercises aimed at strengthening interoperability in northern climates. Equipped with K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers, Finnish forces contribute advanced artillery support, enhancing the combined force’s firepower and adaptability in diverse combat scenarios. This exercise includes a range of NATO units, each bringing specialized skills and expertise to improve synergy and coordination in simulated operations. As a strategic reserve for NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps oversees these maneuvers, ensuring a high level of operational readiness across all participating units.
Finnish Maavoimat units, essential to Finland's land defense, are joined by other European contingents, including a French artillery tactical group led by the 93rd Mountain Artillery Regiment (CDC 93e RAM). The French deployed their CAESAR artillery systems, 155 mm truck-mounted self-propelled guns renowned for their mobility and precision. The involvement of these French and Finnish units aligns with NATO's broader goal of enhancing integrated defense capabilities within the Alliance.
The U.S. Army, through its 56th Artillery Command, plays a central role in leading the exercise. This command is tasked with integrating allied artillery units, showcasing NATO’s capability to coordinate fire missions over a vast geographic area. U.S. forces are employing HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems and 155 mm M777 howitzers, both noted for their precision and range, enabling long-distance strikes and increased operational mobility.
Additionally, although Switzerland is not a NATO member, it is participating in Dynamic Front 25. Six Swiss military personnel were invited by France to observe and participate in the maneuvers in Finland, adding a unique perspective through their expertise in fire support and logistics. Switzerland has previously joined multinational military exercises similar to Dynamic Front. For instance, in 2021, the Swiss Federal Council approved the Swiss Army's participation in 15 international exercises, including 13 abroad. These exercises aimed at fostering knowledge exchange, particularly in areas such as special forces, pilot rescue, infantry, and artillery, enabling the Swiss Army to refine and enhance its own capabilities and processes.
While Switzerland has not deployed equipment for this exercise, it operates approximately 133 M109 self-propelled howitzers, which form the backbone of its heavy artillery. These howitzers, adapted to the specific needs of national defense, have been modernized to improve their range, precision, and efficiency, particularly in mountainous terrain where rapid deployment is critical. The M109s provide essential flexibility, allowing the Swiss Army to ensure effective defense despite the country’s geographical constraints.
In line with Swiss legislation based on a policy of strict neutrality, the Swiss Army only participates in international exercises as an observer or in limited training roles, without deploying combat equipment. This approach reflects Switzerland’s commitment to prioritizing territorial defense without active military engagement abroad.
Dynamic Front, running from November 4 to November 24, 2024, takes place not only in Finland but also in Estonia, Germany, Poland, and Romania. Since its launch in 2016, this multinational exercise aims to test and strengthen the interoperability of allied forces over a broad geographic area, from the Arctic to the Black Sea. It reflects NATO’s commitment to ensuring robust collective defense in strategic regions adapted to diverse terrain conditions. The exercise brings together over 1,800 U.S. troops and 3,700 allied and partner forces from 28 countries. The maneuvers include live fire exercises and coordination drills to enhance joint capabilities across an extensive geographic front. This collective effort improves the readiness and interoperability of NATO forces, underscoring the importance of a rapid and cohesive defense in the current geopolitical climate, where stability in the Euro-Atlantic region remains a strategic priority for allied forces.
The maneuvers include live fire and support mission simulations, enabling allied units to refine joint tactics and procedures. Training alongside the U.S. Army in Europe and Africa (USArmyEURAF), allied forces gain enhanced preparation and a rapid response capability, essential for addressing potential crises.
Dynamic Front aims to mitigate the challenges posed by the diversity of military equipment within European and NATO forces. This variety, stemming from the acquisition and development choices specific to each nation, poses several operational challenges that can hinder allied effectiveness.
First, this equipment diversity limits interoperability. NATO forces use different communication systems, weapon calibers, and protocols, complicating effective coordination in the field. A unit equipped with a certain type of equipment may face technical incompatibilities when operating alongside allied units, impeding the cohesion of joint efforts.
Moreover, logistical management and maintenance become more complex and costly. Supply chains must be extended to provide specific spare parts for various types of equipment, increasing intervention times and costs. This logistical complexity can impact rapid deployment and the Alliance's responsiveness.
Additionally, the diversity in equipment necessitates specific training for each type of equipment. Each piece requires distinct technical skills and operating protocols, requiring specialized training for operators and maintenance personnel, which reduces troop flexibility and complicates joint operations.
The Dynamic Front exercise enables NATO to overcome these challenges by creating common procedures and doctrines, thereby enhancing coordination among allied forces despite material diversity. By developing interoperable communication systems and conducting joint training, forces can optimize their real-time communication and information-sharing capabilities. Furthermore, the exercise promotes best practice exchange, allowing military personnel to learn to maximize their own equipment while understanding the capabilities and limitations of their allies’ systems.
Thus, while material diversity represents a significant challenge, exercises like Dynamic Front are essential for strengthening NATO forces' cohesion and operational effectiveness. This commitment underscores the importance of collective preparedness to meet current security demands in the Euro-Atlantic region.