Italy joins NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Finland

Italy joins NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Finland: European cohesion and Nordic security

by Gianfranco Nitti :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

During a telephone conversation on October 22, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen and his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto formalized Italy’s participation in NATO’s Forward Land Forces (FLF) in Finland. The announcement strengthens the Alliance’s northern front and represents a significant step in its deterrence and collective defense strategy. “Italy is one of the leading countries in Europe and plays a leading role in NATO,” said Häkkänen, emphasizing that Rome had already contributed to the planning phase of FLF Finland. “Now, my colleague Guido Crosetto has confirmed Italy’s participation: this is an important step in the development of the multinational force.”

FLF Finland, which will begin exercises in 2025, is an integral part of NATO’s peacetime activities. The multinational units train alongside national defense forces and, in the event of a security crisis, can be rapidly expanded to brigade strength. The goal is to ensure a rapid and integrated response capability on the Alliance’s northern flank.

As the Framework Nation, Sweden is leading the development of the multinational battlegroup in close cooperation with host nation Finland, NATO, and other allies. The operational core of the FLF will consist of a battalion-sized Swedish battlegroup, around which allied units will integrate. “It is positive for Nordic and transatlantic security that Italy is joining the FLF Finland. Together with the United Kingdom, France, and the Nordic countries, we are strengthening deterrence against Russia in Northern Europe,” said Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson.

In addition to Sweden and Finland, which serve as framework and host nations respectively, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, the United Kingdom, and France have already confirmed their participation. With Italy’s entry, a cohesive and strategically relevant European core is consolidated. “I am delighted that Italy is joining the already strong group of allies,” Häkkänen added. “It is a powerful message of a united Europe assuming its responsibilities within NATO, especially in its Northern Dimension.”

Italy’s participation, which will be based in Lapland, strengthens the Alliance’s defensive posture in the Far North and demonstrates the shared desire to develop a forward and interoperable presence. NATO’s FLF forces in Finland are expected to reach brigade strength, or approximately 5,000 soldiers. There would be no permanent troop presence in Finland, but allied countries would commit to providing reserve troops.

Together with its Nordic partners, Sweden as a framework nation, and the major European powers, FLF Finland is a pillar of Euro-Atlantic security. (gn)