NATO Stages Largest Artillery Exercises In Finland Amid Rising Tensions With Russia

NATO’s biggest artillery drills, known as Lightning Strike 24, have begun in Finland’s Lapland, near Russia’s northern border. Organized by the US Army Europe and Africa, the exercises involve more than 5,000 troops from NATO and allied nations, along with over 130 artillery systems. The drills are scheduled to continue through November 28.

Finland’s position near Russia’s Murmansk area makes this year’s exercises especially notable. Although activities are also planned in Poland, Romania and Germany, the Finnish portion is attracting the most attention. Around 3,600 NATO troops are stationed in Finland, marking NATO’s largest presence in the country.

Colonel Janne Makitalo, who commands the drills, highlighted NATO’s capability to respond rapidly in case of conflict. “Allied support can come to Finland very quickly,” he said, pointing to NATO’s readiness to support its northern member.

The US military has deployed significant units, including the 56th Artillery Command, 82nd Airborne Division and NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. Finland’s entry into NATO in 2023 has added a crucial northern link in the alliance’s defense network.

Despite the exercises, Russian President Vladimir Putin has downplayed the expansion of NATO, saying Finland and Sweden’s memberships could bring more issues for those countries than for Russia itself. He referred to NATO’s actions as “meaningless.”

These drills underscore NATO’s increasing presence in northern Europe, with Finland’s membership expanding the alliance’s reach. NATO’s presence near Russia’s border sends a message of unity and preparedness as regional tensions remain high.

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