Sweden to Lead NATO Force in Finland

Colonel Daniel Rydberg, who will take command of the NATO’s Forward Land Forces [FLF] in Finland | Photo: Försvarsmakten/David Luttu Carr

Sweden is set to take command of NATO’s Forward Land Forces (FLF) in Finland, marking the first time Sweden will serve as a Framework Nation within the alliance.

The command will be assumed this summer by Daniel Rydberg, who will lead the multinational force as part of NATO’s efforts to strengthen its presence in Northern Europe. The FLF Finland formation is intended to support deterrence and defence operations in the High North.

“NATO’s Forward Land Forces [FLF] in Finland is the Alliance’s foremost line of defense in the north,” said Rydberg. “We stand together with Finland and our allies to deter and defend in the High North.”

The FLF will consist of a core battalion battle group based in Sweden and a permanent multinational staff element in Finland. The force is designed to enable rapid deployment and multi-domain operations while improving defence readiness in the region.

“This is an important mission, both for Sweden and NATO. Together, we will contribute to stability, deterrence and defense in a region of great strategic importance”, said Rydberg.

Preparations for the mission include recruitment, staffing, and infrastructure development. Sweden’s Norrbotten Brigade, based in Boden, will play a key role in the force. Finland, acting as the host nation, will establish a multinational staff in Rovaniemi. Contributions from other NATO members are expected to be integrated over time.

“Initiating preparations with recruitment and the establishment of the command center is an important driving force in the continued development of the Norrbotten Brigade and our overall capability in the north”, Rydberg said.

The FLF is intended to operate along NATO’s eastern flank and improve coordination among allied forces in the region. It is also expected to enhance situational awareness and support reinforcement of defence capabilities in northern Europe.

Rydberg also referred to Sweden’s operational experience in Arctic conditions. “With our background in the Norrbotten Brigade, we are accustomed to operating in terrain with limited road networks, severe cold, and deep snow—conditions that shape our training in an area that is our home turf. Our close cooperation with Finland enables us to quickly move from deployment in Boden across the border river and carry out tasks in northern Finland”.