Outgoing Lapland Jaeger Battalion commander: drones change warfare, but fundamentals remain

The outgoing commander of Finland’s Lapland Jaeger Battalion, Lt. Col. Juha Hollanti, says the core principles of combat endure despite technological advances such as drones.

Fire, movement, and protection remain the decisive elements of battle, Hollanti told Yle. He emphasized that success depends on outmaneuvering the enemy through focus, surprise, and terrain use—principles that apply regardless of technology.

New tools like drones and thermal cameras have not rendered traditional tactics obsolete, he said. Concealment and protection are still effective, particularly across Lapland’s vast terrain.

The Finnish Army is closely monitoring the war in Ukraine and integrating lessons selectively, Hollanti noted. Drones and infantry mines, for example, were adopted rapidly after political approval.

He cited increased joint training with allies as the most significant change during his two-year command. Frequent, prolonged exercises with foreign forces have built personal relationships and operational familiarity, strengthening cooperation in potential crises.

Incoming commander Lt. Col. Mikko Bäckström arrives from Germany, where he served as a Finnish Army liaison officer at the U.S. European Command in Wiesbaden. He said the experience underscored the value placed on Nordic expertise, particularly in Arctic conditions, where Finland possesses unique capabilities.

Bäckström plans to continue his predecessor’s development work, incorporating lessons from Ukraine into training. Commanders rotate every two to three years to give more officers command experience, as such positions are limited.

Hollanti will move to the Defence Command, focusing on implementing new innovations and capabilities.