NATO starts major Arctic military exercise across Finland, Norway and Sweden

2026-03-09 - 13:44

NATO and allied forces began a major military exercise across northern Finland, Norway and Sweden on Monday as the alliance increases its focus on Arctic defence and expands its command presence in Finland. The Cold Response 26 exercise, led by Norway, brings together about 25,000 soldiers from 14 countries for nearly two weeks of training in winter conditions across the Nordic region. In Finland, activity centres on the Rovajärvi training area in Lapland.