Finland will conduct large-scale military exercises near the border with Russia, involving conscripts and reservists.
The Finnish Armed Forces Command reported on this.
The purpose of the exercises is to enhance the combat readiness and coordination of the units, as well as to provide practical training for conscripts and reservists to perform tasks in wartime.
The maneuvers will take place throughout November and December and will involve all branches of the armed forces, including the Border Guard.
During the exercises, coordination between the army, allied contingents, and territorial units will be practiced, and combat experience gained during the war in Ukraine will also be taken into account.
Training in the South
In southern Finland, from November 27 to December 4, the Lively Sentry 25 exercises will be held under the command of the Guard Jaeger Regiment.
More than 6,500 service members will take part, including 4,000 conscripts, 1,700 reservists, and 850 professional soldiers. The exercises will cover the regions of Uusimaa, Kymenlaakso, and Päijät-Häme.
More than 900 pieces of equipment will be deployed. The main scenario foresees a joint operation to neutralize an enemy mechanized unit in an urban area.
The aim is to test the army’s readiness to conduct combat operations in modern conditions.
Training in the North
From November 8 to 16, anti-tank exercises Northern Spike 25, organized by the Military Academy, will take place at the Rovajärvi training area. About 200 service members will participate.
Immediately afterward, from November 17 to 25, the Kainuu Brigade will conduct Northern Strike 25 exercises involving approximately 2,200 soldiers, including about 40 troops from Poland.
From November 26 to December 5, the Lapland Steel 25 exercises will be held at the same training area under the command of the Lapland Jaeger Brigade.
About 1,200 people will take part, including 120 Swedish and 100 British troops. The maneuvers will test the ability of Finnish conscripts to cooperate with allies in the conditions of the northern winter. Their aim is to strengthen the joint defense of Finland and the Arctic region.
International Exercises
From November 29 to December 5, the Northern Axe 25 combat exercises will be held at the Vuossangi training area, involving around 3,000 participants – including 1,900 conscripts, 630 reservists, and 70 British soldiers.
Air Defense Exercises
A key phase for the air defense forces will be ADEX Mallet Strike 2/25, which will take place from November 11 to 20.
More than 1,000 service members will take part, including conscripts, reservists, and professional officers from all units specializing in air defense training.
The Finnish Armed Forces emphasized that the level of reservist training has increased significantly, and they are now ready to carry out combat missions as part of national and allied units.
