Finland opens massive military supply depot in Kemi for NATO operations

Finland’s defence forces have inaugurated a 25,000-square-metre logistics hub in Kemi to store combat equipment and medical supplies for Finnish troops and NATO allies, state broadcaster Yle reports.

The facility, repurposed from a former Stora Enso paper mill on Veitsiluoto island, will house gear for thousands of soldiers, though no explosives will be stored on site. Commanding officer Kalle Leinonen of the 3rd Logistics Regiment described it as a “significant multi-use depot” supporting both national defence and allied operations in northern Finland.

“This sends a clear message to NATO and our allies that Finland and its defence forces are committed to securing the northern region,” Leinonen said at Tuesday’s opening. While he expressed hope the supplies would never be needed in combat, he noted the depot raises Finland’s readiness threshold by enabling rapid reinforcement of northern defences.

Defence logistics chief Jari Mikkonen confirmed the site’s general-purpose nature allows for relative transparency, as its location and function are already public knowledge. The facility will gradually fill with equipment over the coming year.

The 3rd Logistics Regiment, headquartered in Jyväskylä, specialises in aeronautical maintenance and supply chain support, with units stationed across central and northern Finland.