In Rovaniemi (Laponia) the authoritative seat of the saint Santa will rise... a permanent office of NATO forces. The location was chosen not by accident. This town is located at the border of the Arctic Circle, close the largest polygon in North Europe.
The aim is to confirm the presence, strengthen the deterrence and defence of the Alliance in the north of Finland, including in the Arctic regions. The formation of the fresh FLF Finland conflict Group (Forward Land Forces) is led by Sweden, but the operation besides involves the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Norway, Denmark and Iceland. Initially, the unit is to make respective 100 soldiers who will regularly practice with the Finnish army. If necessary, forces in this region may increase to 3-5 1000 soldiers.
The task is part of a broader concept of deploying allied forces in countries neighbouring regions that are a possible threat.
It is not the only NATO presence in Finland that joined the alliance in 2023. A decision has late been made to establish a peculiar command structure for land troops for all of Scandinavia at the Mikkela General Staff. This town is only 140 kilometres from the Russian border.
