Finnish Navy to conduct joint military exercises with U.S. Marine Corps along southern coastline

Next week, the Finnish Navy, along with forces from the U.S. Marine Corps, will conduct exercises along Finland’s southern coastline. From November 18 to 29, military personnel will be visible at all hours. Approximately 4,000 soldiers are participating in the Finnish Navy’s main autumn exercise, which also includes the Air Force, Army, Border Guard, and allied forces.

Joining the exercise are troops from the U.S., France, and nearly all Baltic Sea bordering nations, including Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The varied weather conditions, which can shift from snowy to stormy, are seen as beneficial for training, according to Commodore Marko Laaksonen, the exercise commander. “Training in these unique conditions effectively supports our readiness,” Laaksonen noted.

The drills will primarily focus on maritime operations and the archipelago between Helsinki and Kotka, although part of the exercise will take place near Kymenlaakso’s airport in Kotka. Around 30 combat vessels, along with support ships, transport boats, and coastal and ground forces, will be involved. Additionally, fighter jets, helicopters, and surveillance aircraft from the U.S. and France are expected to be in the skies.

Several allied warships will begin arriving in Turku starting November 15 to prepare for the exercises.