Russia’s Border, Finland’s Forests: NATO Tests High-Intensity Warfare in Kainuu
Just 30 kilometres from the Russian border, NATO forces are currently engaged in extensive air and ground warfare training deep within Finland’s dense forests. This pivotal exercise, Northern Star 26, marks a significant moment for NATO’s northern defence posture, testing the Alliance’s ability to operate in challenging High North conditions.
A New Era for NATO’s Northern Flank
Held in Finland’s strategically important Kainuu region from 18 to 30 May 2026, Northern Star 26 is the first large-scale Allied exercise in this area since Finland joined NATO in 2023. Over 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies—Finland, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Poland, and Hungary—are honing their skills in dense forest terrain, critically close to the Russian border. This exercise is also intrinsically linked to broader US-led manoeuvres under the umbrella of Sword 26, collectively strengthening NATO’s capability to operate across the High North and reinforce the Alliance’s vital eastern flank.
For Finland, Northern Star 26 transcends the scope of a mere national military exercise; it serves as a rigorous test of full NATO interoperability. Finnish conscripts, armoured units, and territorial forces are operating seamlessly alongside Allied light infantry, advanced aviation assets, and multinational formations. Brigadier General Ari Laaksonen, Commander of the Kainuu Brigade, underscores the significance of the exercise, noting how it expertly combines Finland’s national defence model with a strong Allied footprint. He describes the intricate process of bringing these diverse units together as a key step in building shared readiness and fostering operational trust, crucial for the Finnish Defence Forces within the expanded NATO framework.
Mastering Air-Land Integration in Challenging Terrain
A central tactical challenge of Northern Star 26 is the complex integration of land forces with air power. US Army Chinook helicopters are conducting rapid troop insertions into forest landing zones, while tanks, infantry, all-terrain vehicles, and simulated anti-vehicle mine operations dynamically shape the ground battle. General Laaksonen highlights air-land operations as a new and critical element for Finnish forces, especially given the modern battlefield’s increasing congestion with drones, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft. His message is unequivocal: NATO forces must learn to effectively manage crowded airspace while coordinating fast-moving ground manoeuvres in some of Europe’s most demanding terrain, epitomizing High North warfare.
The Jungle of the High North: Key Training Aspects
- US Chinooks in Finnish Forests: American helicopters execute precise troop insertions for fast-moving air assault operations, showcasing vital US Army Chinook Finland interoperability.
- Italian Anti-Vehicle Mine Tactics: Italian soldiers lay simulated anti-vehicle landmines and rehearse defensive movement, demonstrating specialized skills in dense terrain.
- Finnish Armour in Kainuu: Tanks manoeuvre through challenging forest routes while infantry hold positions and engage in simulated combat, highlighting Finnish expertise in forest warfare.
- Bandvagn All-Terrain Vehicles: Finnish soldiers navigate difficult ground using tracked articulated vehicles specifically designed for snow, swamp, and forest conditions.
- Final Test for Finnish Conscripts: For many conscripts, Northern Star 26 represents the ultimate and most demanding phase of their military service, a true test of endurance and skill.
- Air-Land Integration: NATO forces meticulously test coordination between drones, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and diverse ground formations, a cornerstone of modern combat.
- Drone Wall Concept: The exercise actively supports wider strategic thinking on networked drone defence and layered protection, contributing to the broader drone wall concept across NATO’s northern and eastern flank, part of the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI).
- Border Pressure: The strategic setting—roughly 30km from Russia—imparts immense weight to the exercise, sending a clear and powerful deterrence message from the NATO Finland Russia border.
Northern Star 26 represents a critical milestone for NATO Finland 2026, solidifying Allied interoperability and readiness in a strategically vital region. By mastering complex air-land integration and leveraging advanced capabilities in the demanding environment of the Kainuu region, NATO is demonstrably strengthening its collective defence posture and sending a clear message of deterrence along its eastern flank.
