NATO’s Cold Response Exercise Bolsters Arctic Readiness with 25,000 Troops
A significant display of allied cooperation, the NATO-led Cold Response exercise is bringing approximately 25,000 troops from 14 nations to Northern Finland, Norway, and Sweden, underscoring the alliance’s commitment to Arctic security.
The large-scale military drill, commencing March 9th and concluding on March 20th, is the Finnish Defence Forces’ most important military exercise of the year. It focuses on honing NATO’s ability to operate in challenging Arctic conditions and rapidly respond to evolving security concerns.
Strengthening Deterrence and Defense
According to a senior military official, the exercise is designed to enhance multinational collaboration and readiness. “It is crucial for Finland that joint exercise activity in line with NATO plans extends directly to Finnish territory,” the official stated. “This strengthens deterrence and defense capabilities.”
Finland will host 7,500 personnel during the exercise, with over half – 4,000 – arriving from other NATO member states by land and air. The primary training grounds will be located in the Rovajärvi training area and the surrounding areas of Sodankylä, leveraging the specialized Arctic expertise of the Finnish Jaeger Brigade.
International Participation and Focus Areas
The exercise is led by Norway and draws participation from a diverse range of nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. A Swedish division headquarters of 2,000 soldiers will be stationed in Rovajärvi, representing the largest contingent of foreign troops.
While the majority of U.S. forces will participate in Northern Norway, a company-sized element will also train in Finland, primarily in the Rovajärvi region. “This demonstrates the high level of expertise produced by our conscription system, and the reserve can be supplemented by the capabilities of our allies,” noted the commander of the Jaeger Brigade, Colonel Marko Kivelä.
Nato’s Northern Command Structure
The troops training in Finland will be directed by NATO’s newly established Northern Area Ground Forces Headquarters (MCLCC), which began operations last autumn in Mikkeli, alongside the Finnish Defence Forces Headquarters. The NATO command structure, currently comprised of around ten personnel, will be reinforced with allied soldiers during the Cold Response exercise.
International forces also conducted training exercises in Finland in November 2024. Video: Juuso Stoor / Yle
The Cold Response exercise serves as a powerful demonstration of NATO’s collective resolve and its ability to project strength and stability in the strategically important Arctic region.
