The Finnish government has decided to deploy a NATO armored brigade, comprising 4,000-5,000 troops, near its border with Russia to enhance deterrence against external threats. This move was reported by the Finnish publication Iltalehti, citing sources within the Alliance and security services, and relayed by DW.
"The Finnish Defence Forces and state leadership have concluded that the presence of NATO troops on Finnish territory is necessary for enhanced deterrence," the publication noted.
The new brigade is currently being formed and will be stationed in Mikkeli, a city close to the Russian border.
A NATO command post will be established to oversee the brigade, which will report to NATO’s headquarters in Norfolk, USA. The preparations for this command post have been ongoing since last spring, according to Iltalehti. During this period, British Rear Admiral Tim Henry, Deputy Commander of NATO’s Norfolk Joint Operations Headquarters, visited Mikkeli.
“We want to send a clear message to the Russians and make it public. The Alliance is very clear in its position: Russia poses a threat to the Euro-Atlantic region,” Henry emphasized during his visit.
According to Iltalehti, the brigade, which will be equipped with armored vehicles, will also include Swedish and Norwegian troops. The decision has already been made, and it is expected that NATO and Finnish authorities will announce the deployment of this new unit in the coming weeks.
