Finland to lead Baltic Sea defence exercises on Nov 18-29

The autumn’s main exercise Freezing Winds 24, led by the Finnish Navy, will be held in southern Finland and in the Northern Baltic Sea from November 18 to November 29, said Finnish Defence Forces in a press release on Monday.

In addition to the Finnish Navy, troops from the Finnish Army and Air Force, the Logistics Command and the Border Guard will participate in the international naval exercise.

Several Allies will also participate. Areas in proximity to southern Finland provide unique circumstances for training NATO’s collective defence in the Baltic Sea.

The exercise will feature about 30 combat vessels, service and support vessels, transport vessels, and coastal and land troops.

The total strength of the exercise will be about 4000 persons. The exercise will also involve NATO’s standing groups SNMG1 (Maritime Group 1) and SNMCMG1 (Mine Countermeasures Group 1).

The participating countries will include the United States, France, and almost all countries bounding the Baltic Sea: Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

The objective of the exercise is to train execution of international naval operation in the circumstances of the Finnish coast and the Baltic Sea, more specifically, for example, protection of maritime transportation, and surveillance and protection of the underwater infrastructure.

“Along with Finland’s NATO integration, the exercise Freezing Winds has become an important part of NATO operations in the Baltic Sea. We train cooperating to secure and protect maritime connections and the neighbouring areas of Finland,” said the Exercise Director, Captain Marko Laaksonen.

The Finnish coastal units will train with units from the US Marine Corps and US Navy divers. The coastal units will operate mainly in the area between Helsinki and Kotka. Some exercises will be carried out in the area surrounding the Kymi Airfield.

The exercise will feature about ten aircraft: fighters and helicopters as well as US and French maritime patrol aircraft. Air operation may cause noise in Southern Finland.

Weather on the Baltic Sea at the end of November provides the international alliance with a unique opportunity for training.

“At this time of the year, the weather can be anything from heavy snowfall to rainy autumn storm. We must ensure interoperability in all circumstances, and exercises in these unique conditions will definitely enhance our readiness,” Laaksonen added.

Several participating vessels will berth in Turku at the beginning of the exercise from 15 November. The vessels will not be open to the public.