Finland has announced its participation in NATO's joint operations for 2024, with up to eight fighter jets and a navy vessel dedicated to mine-hunting, according to the country's defense ministry on Friday.
This decision marks a significant shift in Finland's security policy, with the Nordic nation having joined the Western military alliance last year in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen emphasized the importance of active participation in NATO's collective defense missions, highlighting that it sends a clear message of unity and reinforces deterrence against potential threats.
The deployment plan includes sending one of Finland's Katanpaa class vessels to join NATO's mine countermeasure unit in the Baltic Sea. This vessel will be engaged in clearing old sea mines, participating in exercises, and safeguarding underwater infrastructure during April and May.
Additionally, the Finnish fighter jets will be involved in regular air patrols and will demonstrate military force to deter potential adversaries. They will operate in Romania and Bulgaria, including in the Black Sea, during June and July.
The Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One is a coalition naval task force committed to guaranteeing the security of maritime navigation. Its primary objective is to deliver a reliable and continuous Mine Countermeasures (MCM) capability to the Alliance. Presently, the group conducts its operations in key strategic areas including the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and the eastern sector of the Atlantic Ocean.
Overall, Finland's contribution underscores its commitment to NATO's objectives and regional security, as it actively engages in efforts to enhance maritime safety and defense capabilities in the Baltic and Black Sea regions.
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