More than 15,500 troops are currently engaged in the extensive NATO exercise “Sword 26,” a multi-faceted operation designed to bolster the capabilities and interoperability of allied forces. A significant portion of this large-scale training is unfolding in Finland, where soldiers are being pushed to their limits in demanding environments, honing their skills and strengthening the bonds between participating nations.
The exercise brings together a diverse contingent of military personnel from a range of countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Poland, Italy, Hungary, and of course, Finland. Alongside the thousands of soldiers, an impressive array of approximately 1,100 military vehicles and other essential units are integral to the various training activities.
Navigating Challenging Terrains
The chosen training grounds are strategically located in an area that presents significant logistical and tactical hurdles. Characterised by dense, expansive forests and a sparse transportation infrastructure, the region demands a high level of adaptability and resourcefulness from the participating soldiers. The training scenarios encompass a broad spectrum of military operations, from fundamental mobility and logistics to complex offensive and defensive manoeuvres in terrain where freedom of movement is inherently restricted.
One particular component of the broader exercise, dubbed “Northern Star,” alone involves over 5,000 soldiers. This focused operation includes more than 100 troops from the Polish Army’s 6th Airborne Brigade, underscoring the commitment of various national contingents to these vital training endeavours.
Echoes of History: Lessons from the Landscape
The Finnish border region where these exercises are taking place boasts a rich and complex military history. Decades ago, during the arduous Winter War of 1939–1940, Soviet forces found themselves severely challenged by the unforgiving terrain. The landscape proved to be a formidable adversary, significantly impeding the mobility of larger Soviet units. Their operational freedom was curtailed, forcing them to rely heavily on the limited road networks. In stark contrast, Finnish forces, possessing an intimate understanding of the local environment, expertly leveraged their knowledge to launch effective ambushes and counter-attacks against advancing enemy columns.
While these historical events transpired many decades ago, the strategic and tactical lessons derived from them remain highly relevant in contemporary military thinking. Consequently, this historically significant region has been repurposed as a crucial training ground for modern NATO forces. It provides an unparalleled opportunity for personnel to prepare for and adapt to operating under similarly demanding and restrictive conditions, mirroring the challenges faced by soldiers in past conflicts.
Finland’s Strategic Integration into NATO
The “Sword 26” exercise holds particular significance given that it is taking place just a few years after Finland officially joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
Finland’s accession to the defence alliance was formalised on April 4, 2023, making it the 31st member state. This landmark decision followed the unanimous approval of its membership application by all existing member countries at the time.
The move represented a profound and historic shift in Finland’s long-standing security policy, which had traditionally maintained a stance of military non-alignment. Simultaneously, Finland’s integration into NATO significantly bolstered the alliance’s strategic presence and capabilities in the critical Northern European region.
According to NATO’s Secretary General at the time of Finland’s membership, Jens Stoltenberg, the inclusion of Finland would serve a dual purpose: it would not only enhance Finland’s own national security but also contribute to the overall strengthening of the alliance as a cohesive and formidable defence entity. The exercises like “Sword 26” are a direct manifestation of this strengthened collective defence posture.
