Finland's Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen has announced the placement of a NATO Forward Land Forces (FLF) multinational headquarters in Rovaniemi, aiming to solidify a permanent NATO presence in northern Finland. Häkkänen emphasized that Rovaniemi is the best location for this headquarters due to its supportive conditions and strategic advantages.

The development of the multinational headquarters will take place over the next few years, with approximately half of its personnel sourced from the framework nation and host nation, while the other half will come from allied countries. This structure is comparable to the NATO command in Mikkeli during peacetime, with a target strength of several dozen personnel. The establishment of this headquarters is expected to enhance deterrence and defense capabilities in the northern and Arctic regions.

In addition, Häkkänen pointed out that the multinational headquarters will improve collaboration among the participating countries, thereby enhancing the overall readiness and operational capability of NATO. This initiative reflects Finland's ongoing commitment to strengthening its defense posture within the alliance, particularly in response to increasing security concerns in the region.