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Norway Today

Norwegian news in English

Friday, September 20, 2024

Sweden to Lead New NATO Force in Finland

Published: 2024-09-16

Sweden has been proposed to lead a new NATO force in Northern Finland, a move confirmed by both Swedish and Finnish officials.

This development marks a significant step in the evolving security landscape of the region, with Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo highlighting the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.

The proposed NATO base in Finnish Lapland is expected to enhance military readiness and cooperation, particularly in defending areas like Finnmark.

Norway is also expected to play a crucial role in ensuring efficient supply lines and military mobility from west to east, with Narvik identified as a key location.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen east-west transport corridors, with Finland investing three billion euros in infrastructure improvements.

The Swedish government has expressed honor at being asked to lead this initiative, which is still in its early planning stages.