In recent news, Finland, the newest member of NATO, along with two other Nordic states, will be hosting an unprecedentedly large-scale air exercise. This joint endeavor is being conducted to improve their military capabilities and safeguard their national security.
This exercise, known as the Arctic Challenge Exercise 2021 (ACE21), will commence on May 25 and continue for two weeks, unlike the ACE19 exercise – this year’s exercise will include a fifth participant, the United States of America. As ACE21 takes place in the Arctic Circle, it will not only challenge the air forces operating in extreme weather conditions but also demonstrate the capability of the participating countries working together in executing complex missions that are vital for the defense of the region.
Two of the states hosting this event, Norway and Sweden, have also joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program. It aims to develop closer military ties with NATO members and participate in a comprehensive program of political, economic, and military cooperation that leads to Euro-Atlantic integration. Finland, on the other hand, joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1994 and was invited in 2007 to join the Membership Action Plan. It applied for NATO membership in 2019, and its request was approved by NATO allies in 2020, officially becoming the 30th member of the organization in 2021.
In the past, Finland has been cautious while trying to maintain its balance of power between Russia and the West. However, with NATO membership, Finland hopes to enhance its national defense capabilities and signals to Russia its commitment to the alliance, increasing interoperability, defense cooperation, and sharing security information.
The ACE21 exercise demonstrates the collective will of NATO allies and partner nations to safeguard the vital interests of the North Atlantic against any looming threats. Simultaneously, it sends a message to Russia about the alliance’s commitment to defend its northern flank and the transatlantic bond.
Overall, this air exercise presents a significant opportunity for the involved countries to improve their defense capabilities and deepen their relationships with each other and the NATO alliance. Additionally, the exercise highlights the importance of cooperation, especially in times of uncertainty and demonstrates the collective efforts to preserve peace and security in the region.
