NATO has launched its largest-ever artillery exercise, Lightning Strike 24, in Finland’s Lapland region, sending a clear message near Russia’s northern border. The US Army Europe and Africa leads these exercises, with over 5,000 troops and 130 weapon systems from 28 NATO and allied countries participating. This exercise runs until November 28.
Although the drills span multiple locations, including Poland, Germany and Estonia, Finland’s Lapland has drawn the most attention due to its proximity to Russia. With 3,600 NATO troops deployed in Finland, the exercise marks a significant NATO presence near Russian territory.
NATO Kicks Off Largest Artillery Drills In Finland, On Russia's Northern Doorstep
The US Army is the most sizeable component of the exercise… pic.twitter.com/cV054Xzya6— Rami. (@ThrilledBe) November 5, 2024
Colonel Janne Makitalo, commander of the exercise, emphasized that NATO forces can mobilize swiftly to aid Finland. “Allied support can come to Finland very quickly,” he stated, underscoring the importance of the exercises for NATO readiness.
US military units, including the 56th Artillery Command, 82nd Airborne Division and NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, are participating in the drills. Finland, having joined NATO in 2023, is now positioned at a critical spot in northern Europe, near Russia.
Finland will place a NATO base in Mikkeli, under 200 km from Russia, to reinforce its defense.
Defense Minister Hakkanen says it will send a strong message to Moscow. pic.twitter.com/phJHyy19GK
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 22, 2024
Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed the impact of Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO membership, suggesting the move might harm the two nations more than it affects Russia. However, the exercises signal NATO’s growing presence in the region.
⚡️Today, for the first time in history, NATO will start military exercises on the territory of Finland, which has 1,340 kilometers of a common border with Russia
Maneuvers called Nordic Response 24 will also take place in the northern regions of Norway and Sweden and will last… pic.twitter.com/xGdXflMYRC
— Jürgen Nauditt 🇩🇪🇺🇦 (@jurgen_nauditt) March 4, 2024
With Finland’s membership, NATO has increased its foothold in the Baltic area. These drills underscore Finland’s new role in the alliance as tensions with Russia remain high.
