Sweden joins major Nato exercise just days after becoming member of alliance

Finnish and Swedish armoured units charged into Norway as part of Exercise Nordic Response – days after Sweden became Nato's 32nd ally. 

The exercise showcased Nato's capability to swiftly deploy forces across Allied borders.

Amidst the Arctic terrain, Finnish Leopard 2 tanks and Swedish CV90 infantry fighting vehicles were showcased in action during a media demonstration seen in the video above.

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Exercise Nordic Response gathers 20,000 troops from 13 Nato allies in northern Norway to train together in the harsh Arctic environment.

The exercise is an integral part of Steadfast Defender 2024, Nato's largest exercise in a generation.

"It feels very good to be part of the alliance because it makes Sweden safer and Nato stronger," said Pål Jonson, Sweden's Minister of Defence. "It's something I've personally worked for for decades, and I'm very glad to see it happening.

"It feels very natural to be here in the northern part of Finland, because Sweden, Finland and, of course, Norway are co-operating very extensively here as well, to keep our unique assets and capabilities, and also to ensure that Nato's deterrence and defence is strong," said the minister.

The Finnish and Swedish units will now advance northward, executing a pincer manoeuvre to encircle their simulated adversary, while allied amphibious units move southward from Alta in northern Norway.

"This is a common operation. This is the troops from the different nations, and you were also able to see that we are really able to fight together," Finnish Army Chief of Staff Major General Jukka Jokinen said.

"And that is a great thing. And that is what Nato is, stronger together."