Finland has launched large-scale naval exercises involving NATO near its border with Russia

UA NEWS 16 May 2026 09:49

From May 18 to 29, the Finnish Navy is conducting its main spring exercise, Narrow Waters 26-1, in the Gulf of Finland and the coastal areas of Southern Finland.

This was reported by the Finnish Navy.

The maneuvers cover the Gulf of Finland, the Archipelago Sea, and the coast of Southern Finland. About 3,000 military personnel are participating in the exercises, including conscripts, reservists, and active-duty Navy personnel. The goal is to practice joint naval operations in the challenging conditions of the Northern Baltic.

NATO allies have joined the Finnish units. Specifically, a German Navy coastal ranger company (about 100 service members) and approximately 30 U.S. Marines. Also involved are units of the Border Guard, the Finnish Defense Forces Logistics Command, the Utti Helicopter Regiment, and aviation operating over the coast and the Baltic Sea.

The exercises include live-fire drills at the Mykiluoto and Kirkkomaa/Rankki training grounds, as well as the movement of military equipment between Kirkkonummi and Kotka. Separately, coordination between naval and coastal units is being practiced, with extensive use of unmanned maritime and aerial systems.

The North Atlantic Alliance has summarized the results of large-scale military exercises that began on May 5 with the participation of all 32 member countries. The Steadfast Deterrence 2026 exercises were unique in that they involved all NATO joint command headquarters for the first time, including the new center in Norfolk, to practice defense scenarios in the Arctic.

As a reminder, large-scale military exercises “Amber Shock 26” have begun at the Ożarów training ground in Poland, involving over 3,500 NATO troops, including U.S. Army units. The exercises will continue through the end of the week and conclude with live-fire drills.

NATO also stated the need to review approaches to weapons development and production, taking into account the experience of the war in Ukraine. According to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, combat operations have demonstrated the advantage of simpler and cheaper solutions that can be quickly manufactured and rapidly deployed on the battlefield.

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