Photo: Finnish Defence Forces.
The Finnish Defence Forces are deepening cooperation with Sweden to enhance the surveillance and protection of Finland’s territorial integrity, according to an official press release issued on Friday.
Close collaboration with the NATO ally will bolster security in the North and on NATO’s Eastern flank, while improving interoperability between Finland and Sweden in all scenarios, including peacetime, emergencies, and disruptions, the Defence Forces stated.
Sweden will contribute to the surveillance and protection of Finland’s territorial integrity by deploying JAS 39 Gripen fighters from the Swedish Air Force and a Visby-class corvette from the Swedish Navy to the Baltic Sea region.
The introduction of Swedish equipment will particularly strengthen air surveillance, allowing the Finnish Defence Forces to allocate their own resources more effectively for repelling violations and incidents if necessary. This cooperation is scheduled to continue at least until the end of 2026.
The Finnish Defence Forces noted that there is no direct military threat currently directed against Finland. However, as part of Russia’s defensive operations against Ukraine, large-scale drone attacks have been launched across Russia, with some drones straying into Finnish airspace and territory.
Attacks on Russia are not expected to cease in the near future, the Defence Forces said, adding that deeper cooperation with Sweden will enhance Finland’s capacity to secure its territorial integrity and maintain heightened readiness for extended periods.
Defence cooperation between Finland and Sweden is already well-established and active. Deepening these ties strengthens both nations’ ability to operate together in response to changes in the security environment.
The two countries have a long history of cooperation across the Army, Air Force, and Navy. Beyond military exercises, collaborative efforts include regular Cross Border Training activities by the Air Forces and the development of a recognized maritime picture.
In recent years, the cooperation has expanded to include the concept of Nordic Air Power, under which the Air Forces of Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark work to improve their interoperability as part of NATO’s collective defence.
