The President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy decide annually on the focal points of the Defence Forces’ international exercise cooperation and participation in exercises. The Defence Forces submit a proposal to the Ministry of Defence concerning their exercise plan for the following year, and the Ministry decides on the approval of the plan.
Finland's participation in international exercises in 2024
In accordance with the Government Programme, Finland actively participates in international exercises. As a Member of NATO, international exercises will become an increasingly integral part of normal training and exercises in the Finnish Defence Forces. The exercises will improve the ability to lead and implement joint operations with allies as part of Finland's defence and that of NATO.
The plan for international exercises for 2024 includes 103 exercises in Finland and abroad while in 2023, the figure was 89. Some of the exercises that were national in the past will now be international with troops from allied nations taking part.
After Finland joined NATO, the most important change is that Finland will also participate in exercises that develop the operational capability and readiness required for NATO's joint operations. The exercises also test operational plans as part of the Alliance's command and troop structure. Exercises under Article 5 of the NATO Treaty are part of training and exercises.
Led by Norway, Nordic Response will be the most important exercise in 2024 for developing the Defence Forces' operational capability. 14 countries will participate in the exercise, which takes partly place in Northern Finland. The Defence Forces will provide information on exercises closer to their dates.
