Finland Launches Missiles In ‘Northern Strike’—2,200 Troops Amass At Russian Border

 Finland used to follow a policy of neutrality, staying out of military alliances, especially to avoid upsetting Russia. That changed in April 2023 when Finland joined NATO, abandoning decades of staying neutral. Since joining, Finland has dramatically changed its defense strategy. The country now has NATO’s longest shared land border with Russia, making it a key area for the alliance’s defensive planning.

With growing concerns over security since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Finland has built up one of the largest militaries in Europe for its population size. About 280,000 active and reserve troops can be called up thanks to Finland’s conscription system, which means many citizens are required to serve in the military. Finland also now hosts main NATO units and regularly trains alongside allies like Sweden, the UK, and France.​

Testing in Harsh Winter Conditions

Northern Strike 225 took place in Rovajärvi, which is the largest military training area in Europe. The exercise brought together around 2,200 Finnish soldiers and about 40 from Poland. Troops tested their skills with advanced artillery, digital fire-control systems, and logistics, all in freezing Arctic conditions. This was not just to see how their equipment worked, but also to train soldiers for realistic winter combat, including long-range and precise attacks.

For the first time, Polish rocket launchers, delivered by large Ukrainian transport planes, operated with Finland’s own K9 Thunder cannons and other artillery systems. The drills gave Finnish conscripts invaluable practice under conditions similar to what they might actually face if tensions with Russia ever rose.​

Russia’s Reaction and Military Changes

Russia quickly took notice of these NATO exercises being held so close to its border, responding with warnings and concern. Moscow has hinted it may deploy its powerful Oreshnik hypersonic missiles to the border area, raising fears about more dangerous weapons being stationed in the region.

Russian officials claim these missiles are extremely difficult for any defense systems to stop, increasing uncertainty and tension in the area. Russian media have portrayed NATO’s moves as aggressive, especially given that northern areas like the Kola Peninsula are home to key Russian military bases and nuclear submarines.​

NATO’s Plans for the Future

NATO isn’t stopping at just one major exercise. The alliance is investing in more facilities and new command centers, with plans to coordinate troops not just in Finland but across all northern Europe. In late 2025, over 20,000 Finnish personnel, from the army, navy, and air force, were expected to join a series of national exercises, boosting Finland’s ability to operate with allies under Arctic conditions.

Future drills such as Lapland Steel and Northern Spike will focus on joint operations with Swedish and British troops, as well as anti-tank tactics. All these training events are designed to ensure NATO forces can work together smoothly, whether in the air or on the ground, and to strengthen deterrence against any potential threats.​

The increase in troops and weapons in northern Finland raises important questions about the region’s future. While Finland and NATO hope these moves will keep the peace by making any attack too risky, there is also a risk that more military activity could make the area more unstable or spark misunderstandings.

Finnish leaders are working to balance showing strength with keeping diplomatic links open, aiming for security without unnecessary escalation. The outcome of these policy changes and exercises will shape the security situation in the Arctic for years to come.