Italian troops deploying to Lapland

 ROME -- Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen and his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto officially have confirmed Italy’s participation in NATO’s Forward Land Forces (FLF) in Finland. The announcement strengthens the Alliance’s northern flank and represents a significant step in the strategy of deterrence and collective defence, defence ministry sources say.

 “Italy is one of the leading countries in Europe and holds a prominent role in NATO,” said Häkkänen, noting that Rome had already contributed to the planning phase of FLF Finland. “Now, my colleague Guido Crosetto has confirmed Italian participation; this is an important step in the development of the multinational force.”

 FLF Finland, based in Lapland, which will commence exercises in the course of 2025, is an integral part of NATO’s peacetime activities. The multinational units train with the national defence forces and, should the security situation deteriorate, can be rapidly reinforced to reach the size of a brigade. The objective is to ensure a quick and integrated response capability on the Alliance's northern flank.

As the Framework Nation, Sweden leads the development of the multinational battle group in close cooperation with Finland, the Host Nation, with NATO, and the other allies. The operational core of the FLF will consist of a Swedish battalion-sized battle group, around which allied units will integrate.

“It is good for Nordic and transatlantic security that Italy joins FLF Finland. Together with the United Kingdom, France, and the Nordic countries, we are strengthening deterrence against Russia in Northern Europe,” affirmed Swedish Minister of Defence Pål Jonson.

In addition to Sweden and Finland, serving as the Framework Nation and Host Nation respectively, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, the United Kingdom, and France have already confirmed their participation. With the entry of Italy, a cohesive and strategically relevant European core is consolidated.

“I am pleased that Italy is joining the already strong group of allies,” added Häkkänen. “It is a powerful message of a united Europe taking its responsibility in NATO, especially in its northern dimension.”

Italy's participation reinforces the Alliance's defensive posture in the High North and demonstrates the shared will to develop a forward, interoperable presence. Alongside the Nordic partners, Sweden as the Framework Nation, and major European powers, FLF Finland is configured as a pillar of Euro-Atlantic security.

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