Finland announced that NATO’s new Forward Land Forces brigade will operate from Rovaniemi and Sodankylä, with Sweden’s Norrbotten Brigade forming the backbone of roughly 4,000–5,000 troops.
The brigade will be equipped with 155 mm Archer wheeled howitzers and winterized mechanized units. Sweden, Norway, and Denmark will provide integrated ground forces, while France and Iceland contribute staff and logistical support. FLF Finland is designed for independent combat operations, offering rapid-fire capability and Arctic maneuverability to strengthen NATO’s Northern Flank.
The Nordic-led force leverages winter warfare expertise, mobile precision fires, and dispersed operations. Prepositioned stocks and recurring exercises enhance deterrence and readiness across Finland’s Lapland region, ensuring rapid reinforcement if tensions escalate.
