Sweden to Lead NATO Troops in Northern Finland.

Sweden has announced its intention to take on the role of framework nation in NATO’s enhanced forward presence in Finland. This decision, welcomed by Finland’s Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen, marks a new phase in strengthening defense relations between the Nordic countries. Finland joined NATO in 2023, followed by Sweden in 2024, amid heightened tensions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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This initiative significantly enhances the defense relationship between Finland and Sweden, now both NATO allies (Picture source: UK MoD)

The Nordic region, particularly areas bordering Russia, is becoming a focal point of defense strategy, as Russia’s Northern Fleet continues to rearm on the Kola Peninsula and the Leningrad Military District aims to establish new brigades in Karelia, near Finland’s border.

On September 16, the prime ministers and defense ministers of Sweden and Finland met in Stockholm, where security was a key topic of discussion. During the meeting, Sweden confirmed its commitment to lead NATO’s upcoming presence in Finland. Although the exact location of the headquarters is yet to be determined, the Lapland region is considered a likely site for this new structure. The aim is not to permanently station NATO troops in northern Finland but to establish a command structure to prepare for potential troop deployment in case of conflict.

This initiative significantly enhances the defense relationship between Finland and Sweden, now both NATO allies. Together, these countries contribute to strengthening NATO's collective deterrence and defense capabilities. Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen emphasized the importance of this new partnership for the Alliance: “Finland and Sweden are now allies. Together, we strengthen NATO and make an important contribution to the development of NATO’s collective deterrence and defense.”

In the context of this cooperation, the Finnish government recently allocated an additional €67 million to address needs arising from NATO membership. Moreover, Finland and Sweden emphasized in a joint declaration the necessity of securing communications and transport infrastructure in the northern regions connecting Norway, Sweden, and Finland to ensure supply, trade, and security. Although Norway is not part of this particular initiative, Sweden and Finland plan to promote military mobility within the European Union.

The joint declaration specifies that interregional EU funding will be used to improve east-west communication links. The port of Narvik, located on the coast of the Norwegian Sea, holds special significance. It serves as the starting point for Europe’s northernmost cross-border railway, which connects Kiruna, Luleå, and Haparanda in northern Sweden, facilitating the transport of goods into northern Finland via the recently reopened railway line to Tornio.

Meanwhile, regional cooperation in the Nordic areas is undergoing changes. The joint declaration by the two countries highlights the role of the Council of the Baltic Sea States. However, Barents cooperation, which aimed to facilitate the integration of Russia's northern regions into international exchanges, is notably absent.

Finland's Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, hinted earlier this summer at a possible end to this multilateral cooperation, a development that now seems increasingly likely.

In summary, this new step in cooperation between Sweden and Finland reflects the Nordic countries' commitment to enhancing their presence and coordination within NATO, in a geopolitical context that is increasingly tense in Northern Europe.