Finland has announced its readiness to host a sub-staff of NATO’s ground forces if deemed necessary by the organization. According to sources cited by the Evening newspaper, NATO is currently considering establishing a high readiness headquarters in Mikkeli, which would be operational 24/7. This sub-staff could potentially operate under the Norfolk headquarters on the US east coast.
Norwegian Minister of Defense Bjørn Arild Gram mentioned during a recent meeting that the commander of his country’s defense forces had recommended placing NATO’s ground forces’ sub-staff in Finland. Reports from February already indicated that Finland was prepared to host the sub-staff of NATO’s ground forces. Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen confirmed during the NATO defense ministers’ meeting that Finland had shared its views with the organization regarding potential future presence in Finland.
Furthermore, it is known that Nordic countries have expressed a desire to be grouped together under the Norfolk Joint Operations Command in the United States. Overall, Finland’s readiness to host NATO’s ground forces aligns with its goal of strengthening its ties with the organization.
