Finnish Defence Forces to participate in the exercise Cold Response 2026

The Finnish Defence Forces prepare the participation in the military exercise Cold Response 2026 to be held in northern areas of Norway, Finland and Sweden in March 2026. 

Cold Response 2026 is a multinational military exercise with troops. Led by Norway, the exercise will involve thousands of personnel from the land, maritime, air, and special operations forces of various allied nations. Finland will participate primarily with Army and Air Force units and equipment. The live phase of the exercise will be in March 2026. 

The exercise will focus in particular on defence capability reinforcement in an arctic operational environment in cooperation with allies. An important component of the exercise will be receiving allied forces and starting up activities in Finland.  

The exercise will contribute to cooperation of the Nordic countries and NATO as well as reinforce international cooperation and readiness to react to crises. It will support regional security and improve feasibility of joint defence plans. 

More specific information on timetables and participants will be released later.