Finland’s top air defence exercise brings 1,500 troops to Kokkola

Finland’s most important annual air defence exercise began Tuesday at the Vattaja training area in Kokkola, Yle reported. About 1,500 soldiers are taking part, most of them conscripts.

The ADEX Mallet Strike 2/26 exercise focuses on countering drone threats. It involves troops from several Finnish units, including the Armoured Brigade, the Karelia Brigade and the Jaeger Brigade, as well as air defence forces from Sweden, Norway and the United Kingdom.

The live-fire phase runs from 10 to 14 November, followed by a combat phase from 15 to 19 November. Lieutenant Colonel Sami Nenonen is leading the exercise.

Air Defence Inspector Colonel Mano-Mikael Nokelainen said the exercise is the main training event for conscripts, who will practise air defence weapons use and tactics in challenging situations. He said the participating foreign troops offer a good opportunity to develop cooperation in Finland’s demanding conditions.

Countering drones is at the centre of the exercise, which also includes Army aviation activities.