Commander of Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM) Lieutenant General Richard E. Angle visited Finland on 23-25 February 2026.
The visit was hosted by the Finnish Defence Forces’ Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Lieutenant General Kari Nisula. The programme highlighted Finland’s vital expertise in cold weather and Arctic training, exercises and activities, which remains increasingly important as NATO continues to reinforce its posture in the High North through NATO’s Arctic Sentry.
First, Lieutenant General Angle visited Defence Command Finland where he got an overview of the Finnish Defence Forces’ activities and the tasks and duties of the Finnish special operations forces both nationally and as part of a NATO operation.
Second, led by the Utti Jaeger Regiment Commander Colonel Kimmo Nordberg, he visited the regiment’s winter exercise, thus getting a demonstration of the special operations forces’ activities. In the Tsarmitunturi Wilderness Area, Lieutenant General Angle met conscripts in paratrooper training and contractual military personnel participating in the Defence Forces’ Special Forces Course. He also participated in the SERE training which was a part of the exercise.
On the final day of the visit in Rovajärvi, Lieutenant General Angle was introduced to the multinational planning of the special operations conducted as part of the exercise and their execution in Arctic conditions. In this context he also met personnel from the Finnish as well as some Allied countries’ Special Operations Forces.
During his visit to Finland, Lieutenant General Angle was also introduced to the operation of the Border Guard, which gave him on overview of the Finnish comprehensive security model. He also visited the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats.
The Finnish Defence Forces’ Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Lieutenant General Kari Nisula says about the purpose of the visit:
“NATO integration and the ability to execute operations are progressing also with regard to special operations forces. This visit consolidated our mutual understanding of special forces operations and their development. One of our special areas of expertise is executing operations in challenging Arctic conditions, the experiences and skills of which we are happy to share with the Alliance. Collective expertise is the foundation of readiness.”
According to Lieutenant General Nisula, the best part of the visit was participation in observation and actions in the field:
“We were physically there, in the centre of action. I really appreciate Lieutenant General Angle’s hands on approach and interest in our activities. The visit was extremely fruitful for both sides.”
Lieutenant General Angle was impressed by the Finnish expertise. He considers the Finnish special operations forces to be critical not only for Finland's national defence but also for NATO:
“Finland’s Special Forces, the Utti Jaeger Regiment, represent exactly the kind of capability the Alliance depends on – highly trained, innovative, and ready to operate in the most demanding environments. During my visit, I was deeply impressed by the professionalism of Finland’s Special Forces, from their leaders to the conscripts serving alongside them, and by the exceptional level of readiness they sustain in Arctic winter conditions. Their insight, innovation, and operational experience are critical not only for Finland’s national defence, but also for strengthening the Allied SOF enterprise as a whole. In today’s security environment, where hybrid threats challenge our societies across borders and below the threshold of open conflict, Finland’s ability to integrate Special Operations Forces with strong national resilience is especially important. Border guards also play a vital role in this effort – serving on the front line of deterrence, situational awareness, and the protection of Allied territory. Finland’s Special Forces are a valued contributor to our collective security, and their expertise in the High North, alongside the vigilance and professionalism of border security forces, will continue to be an important asset for NATO.”
