Freezing Winds 25 begins – NATO's joint maritime defense strong in the Baltic Sea
The Navy-led autumn main exercise Freezing Winds 25 will be held in southern Finland, the Archipelago Sea, and the Gulf of Finland from November 24 to December 4, 2025.
The themes of the exercise include securing maritime connections and critical infrastructure, combat and amphibious assault defense in the archipelago and on the coast, and joint operations between the navy and coastal forces.
The weather conditions in November and December and the environment in the vicinity of Finland offer unique conditions for NATO joint defense training. A total of 20 combat vessels and supply and support vessels from various allied countries will participate in the exercise.
In addition to Finland, troops and ships from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States are participating. NATO's Standing Mine Countermeasures Group SNMCMG1 is also participating. The total strength of the exercise is approximately 5,000 soldiers.
In addition to the Navy, troops and vessels from the Army, Air Force, Defense Forces Logistics Command, and Border Guard will participate in the international naval exercise.
The exercise involves round-the-clock flight operations by fighter jets, maritime surveillance aircraft, and helicopters.
The coastal forces will focus their activities on the Archipelago Sea and the Hanko Peninsula. During the exercise, the forces and vessels will also operate in Estonian territorial waters and the archipelago.
- Freezing Winds 25 demonstrates the commitment of the allied countries and Finland to securing the Baltic Sea in all situations. We are capable of conducting joint operations with our allies quickly and efficiently, and exercises such as this maintain and develop these capabilities, says Captain (N) Marko Laaksonen, Chief of Operations of the Finnish Navy.
The ships participating in the exercise will arrive in Turku over the weekend starting on November 21. The ships will dock at the Port of Turku.
