Swedish troops to be placed under NATO command in FLF Finland

“Sweden takes the work to reinforce NATO’s northeastern flank seriously, as clearly demonstrated by Swedish troops now being placed under NATO command in FLF Finland. Things have progressed quickly, and I welcome the positive and close cooperation with Finland, NATO and our Allies in this work,” says Pål Jonson, minister for defence. 

FLF Finland is NATO’s ninth Forward Land Forces multinational battlegroup and will enhance the Alliance’s deterrence and defence in the High North. It also builds on the extensive bilateral defence cooperation between Sweden and Finland. 

As framework nation, Sweden is contributing a battalion battlegroup that, together with a Multinational Staff Element in Rovaniemi, will form the core of FLF Finland. The Swedish battalion battlegroup is prepositioned in Boden, with capacity to operate in the North Calotte and, where necessary, rapidly reinforce the presence in northern Finland. In 2026, Sweden’s contribution to FLF Finland will total around 600 personnel, with the option to expand to 1 200 personnel if needed. 

The FLF Finland establishment ceremony at the Norrbotten Regiment base in Boden will be hosted by the Chief of the Army. Invited representatives of Sweden, Finland, NATO and Allied countries will attend.