Lightning Strike 24 exercise begins in Rovajärvi and Rovaniemi as NATO’s Dynamic Front 25 unfolds across Europe

The Lightning Strike 24 exercise, led by the Maasotakoulu, begins today in the Rovajärvi and Rovaniemi region. This event is part of NATO’s largest artillery exercise ever, the Dynamic Front 25, which is being conducted across five European countries under U.S. leadership. Approximately 3,600 soldiers are participating in the one-month Lightning Strike 24, including 1,250 international troops from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Estonia, and France.

The exercise aims to demonstrate defense capabilities in the North through cooperation with allies, partners, and other authorities, with a focus on long-range fire training. It also seeks to enhance operational command and coordination with NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC).

Colonel Janne Mäkitalo, the exercise leader, noted the scale of the operation indicates NATO’s ability to quickly receive allied support and command allied troops when necessary.

The exercise will lead to increased military traffic in the Rovaniemi–Kemijärvi area around the clock for the next month. Military vehicles will be traveling extensively along the E4 road toward Vikajärvi, and between Vikajärvi and Kemijärvi, there will also be significant military movement. Jääkäriprikaati’s Chief of Staff, Jussi Annala, stated that all road users should exercise caution and awareness, especially with the onset of winter.

Annala acknowledged that winter driving conditions might pose challenges for foreign troops, as a substantial number of foreign vehicles from countries like France, the UK, and the U.S. are arriving, making icy and snowy roads a new experience for many. The exercise will conclude on November 28, though military traffic related to post-exercise activities may continue into early December. Additionally, soldiers are expected to visit local shops, restaurants, and gas stations during their time in Rovaniemi and Kemijärvi. Annala expressed hopes that soldiers will also have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus during November.