The Finnish Defense Forces is deepening cooperation with Sweden to strengthen the surveillance and protection of Finland’s territorial integrity. Close cooperation with our NATO ally will strengthen security in the North and NATO’s Eastern flank, also enhancing Finland’s and Sweden’s interoperability in all situations, both in peacetime and during emergencies and disruptions.
Sweden will participate in the tasks of surveillance and protection of Finland’s territorial integrity with the Swedish Air Force’s JAS 39 Gripen fighters and the Navy’s Visby-class corvette in the Baltic Sea region. The Swedish equipment strengthens air surveillance, releasing the Finnish Defense Forces’ own resources for repelling violations and incidents, if need be. This cooperation is carried out at least till the end of 2026.
No direct military threat is directed against Finland. As a part of its justified defensive operations against Russia, Ukraine has launched large-scale drone attacks across Russia, and some drones have also strayed into the airspace and territory of Finland. Attacks targeted at Russia are not likely to end soon. Deeper cooperation with Sweden will strengthen Finland’s ability to secure territorial integrity and maintain increased readiness for an extended period. It will also strengthen the Alliance’s defense, especially along its Eastern flank.
Defense cooperation between Finland and Sweden is well-established and active, and deepening it further strengthens the countries’ ability to act together, following the changes in our security environment. The countries have long-term cooperation in various areas within the Army, Air Force and Navy. Apart from military exercises, cooperative efforts include the Air Forces’ regular Cross Border Training activities as well as the forming of a recognized maritime picture. In the recent years, the cooperation has come to include the concept of Nordic Air Power, meaning that the Air Forces of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark work to improve their interoperability as part of NATO’s collective defense.