Finland is set to host a significant NATO exercise named Cold Response 26 from March 9 to 20, which will bring together approximately 25,000 military personnel from 14 nations. This Arctic military exercise, led by Norway, will take place in the northern regions of Finland, Norway, and Sweden, with Finland concentrating its activities in the Defence Forces' area at Rovajärvi while also conducting operations elsewhere in Northern Finland.

Around 3,500 Finnish soldiers, including approximately 2,000 reservists, are expected to participate, alongside contributions of roughly 4,000 troops from Sweden, the United States, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom each. Notably, the Finnish Air Force will deploy F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets from the Lapland and Karelia wings to enhance the exercise's capabilities. The primary objectives of the exercise include strengthening NATO's northern posture, improving interoperability in challenging conditions, and testing the reception and logistics for allied forces.

The Cold Response exercise is part of NATO's Arctic Sentry initiative and aims to enhance joint operational capabilities between conscripts and allied forces at all levels of engagement. This exercise underscores Finland's commitment to NATO's collective defense strategy and reflects the growing importance of Arctic security dynamics in international military cooperation.