Finland and Sweden to participate in NATO drills

NATO member states Finland and Sweden will take part in the military exercise Nordic Response 2024 to be held near the borders of Russia.

Sweden de facto became a NATO member after Hungary ratified its membership bid. The official joining will take place in the near future.

The exercise Nordic Response 2024 will be held in the northern regions of Finland, Norway and Sweden from March 4 to March 15, with the participation of more than 20,000 servicemen from 13 countries. The exercise is part of NATO’s large-scale Steadfast Defender exercise.

According to the Norwegian Armed Forces, Nordic Response 2024 includes Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the U.K. and the U.S. More than 50 ships, including frigates and submarines, as well as over 100 fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, are expected to be included in the exercise.