Finland joins NATO exercise in Baltic Sea

Finland is participating in the exercise BALTOPS22, which has begun on Sunday in the Baltic Sea and will continue till 17 June, according to Finnish Defence Forces.

The exercise is led by the Commander of the US Navy's 6th Fleet. Both personnel and vessels from the Finnish Navy are participating in the exercise and the Finnish Air Force will also conduct exercise-related flight operations from Finland.

Navy units participating in the exercise include vessels and crew from the Coastal Fleet, the Readiness unit of the Uusimaa (Nyland) Brigade and personnel from the Naval Academy, incl. midshipmen. Additionally, there will be some staff officers participating in the exercise in various HQs.

The goal of the exercise is to develop the interoperability of the United States, NATO and partner countries in combined air and naval operations and in amphibious operations.

The exercise will improve the Finnish Navy’s cooperation with NATO and partner countries in all organizational levels.

Participation will develop our cooperation with the United States Navy, as part of advancing defence cooperation.