The Finnish Defence Forces has been engaged in bilateral and multilateral cooperation with different countries for a long time. The defence cooperation agreement between Finland and the United States will further strengthen the alliance between the defence forces of the two countries. It also demonstrates the commitment of the United States to enhancing the security of Finland and Northern Europe.
The agreement strengthens Finland's defence capabilities and promotes Finland's participation in the implementation of NATO's collective defence. The agreement also establishes the foundation for cooperation and joint planning between the Finnish Defence Forces and the United States Armed Forces and enables standardization and simplification of operations.
The Finnish Defence Forces, in close collaboration with the United States, are preparing for the implementation of the agreement. The actual implementation of the agreement can begin after the Finnish Parliament has approved the agreement. Preparations for the implementation are already underway.
From the Finnish Defence Forces' point of view, the agreement facilitates exercise cooperation between Finland and the United States. Among the first areas to be prepared are the entry and movement of U.S. military aircraft, vessels, and vehicles; access to agreed-upon facilities and areas; their definition and usage; pre-positioning of defence materials and supplies; and the arrangement of security for U.S. forces and the facilities and areas they use.
At this stage, it is too early to assess additional resource needs, such as personnel or additional construction; these details will be clarified during the implementation phase.
Use of the Finnish Defence Forces' areas and facilities
The basis for the preparation of Defence Forces has been the determination of Agreed Facilities and Areas (AFA) according to operational needs, opportunities for developing cooperation, possibilities for future infrastructure development, and strengthening preventive deterrence. The Defence Forces' areas are primarily for joint use by Finland and the United States.
With regard to the included areas and facilities in the agreement, efforts have been made to anticipate the development of cooperation so that there would be no immediate need for their expansion in the near future. Regarding the areas and facilities, it has been taken into account that they serve all branches of defence and logistical arrangements. It is likely that the initial implementation of the agreement will not have a significant impact on all areas.
Press release of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence on the defence cooperation agreement between Finland and the United States on 14 December 2023.
