Naval winter operations in the Baltic Sea

The Coastal Fleet’s annual winter operations exercise LUMIUKKO26 will be conducted in the Gulf of Finland and the Archipelago Sea from 6 to 12 February 2026. Winter operations are key parts of the Coastal Fleet’s activities.

LUMIUKKO26 is a combat technical and seamanship exercise aimed at developing the naval troops’ ability to operate at sea in winter circumstances.  The varying weather circumstances of the Baltic Sea create the right kind of conditions for the exercise.  Winter navigation in high winds, sub-zero temperatures and at sea that is partly frozen requires not only personnel with special skills, but also vessels capable of navigating in ice-covered waters.

- Vessels from several vessel classes participate in this exercise. The exercise includes training in protection of maritime traffic, firing with naval artillery, laying of sea mines, maritime rescue and various kinds of winter navigation exercises. The know-how of the personnel gets challenged in many different ways all through the exercise, the Chief of Staff of the Coastal Fleet, Commander Toni Joutsia sums up.

LUMIUKKO26 involves the participation of vessels from the 6th Surface Warfare Squadron, the 7th Surface Warfare Squadron and the 8th Service Support Squadron. Personnel and equipment from the Border Guard are also involved in the exercise. The Coastal Fleet safeguards territorial integrity at sea all year round and maintains combat capability by practising regularly. Finnish expertise in operating under northern climate conditions is valuable expertise in Nato as well.