Military personnel involved in NATO’s operational planning visited Finland

A delegation consisting of military personnel involved in NATO's operational planning in different Allied commands and member states visited Finland on 7-9 October 2024. The delegation was led by Brigadier General Frederic Givron, Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans of Joint Force Command Brunssum, JFCBS. The visit was hosted by the Finnish Defence Forces' Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Lieutenant General Kari Nisula.

The visit aimed at deepening the Allied military personnel's understanding of the operating environment in Finland and at strengthening cooperation between the Allies and the different Allied commands. The visit included meetings with key operators. The delegation also learned about the specific features related to operational planning in Finland. The delegation visited the Finnish Defence Command, the Army and the Navy.

According to the Defence Forces' Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Lieutenant General Kari Nisula, securing Finland requires cooperation, regional understanding and a shared situational picture:

- Finland's location is strategically important. Close operation with the Allies and shared understanding and monitoring of the operating environment are prerequisites for safeguarding security and stability in the area. Shared plans, daily cooperation and mutual understanding improve our ability to respond proactively and fast, if need be, to any changes in our security environment. For this reason, these visits and cooperation in NATO's operational planning are extremely important.