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NATO ground forces have begun operations aimed at strengthening the defense of the Alliance’s two newest members, Sweden and Finland, UATV English reports.
“As one of the most strategically important and environmentally challenging regions in the world, this area is of critical importance,” said Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
In 2024, NATO decided to establish a new multinational military formation known as the Forward Land Forces Finland (FLF), designed to serve as a rapid-response force.
The unit, which officially began operations on June 6, also includes a Swedish battle group.
NATO already maintains similar forward-deployed land forces in Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.
Sweden and Finland occupy a strategically important position along the Baltic Sea route used by Russian naval vessels traveling between Saint Petersburg and Kaliningrad.
Finland also shares a lengthy border with Russia and fought two wars against the Soviet Union during World War II.
The move comes as NATO continues to reinforce its northern flank following the accession of Finland and Sweden to the Alliance and amid broader efforts to adapt NATO’s force posture to evolving security challenges in Europe.
Earlier, the United States formally informed allies of plans to optimize its contributions to NATO’s force structure under the 2026 National Defense Strategy and the Pentagon’s “NATO 3.0” concept.
Read also: NATO Preparing New €70 Billion Military Support Package for Ukraine, — Politico
