Finland together with Sweden, and Denmark were transferred to Joint Force Command Norfolk's (JFC Norfolk) area of responsibility in the NATO command structure, said Finnish Defence Forces in the press release.
The official ceremony on the occasion was held in Helsinki on Friday.
NATO’s JFCs in Naples, Brunssum and Norfolk are responsible for the planning, execution, and support of NATO operations.
JFC Norfolk is responsible for the Atlantic and Arctic regions. JFC Norfolk's area of responsibility already includes Iceland, the United Kingdom, and Norway.
This decision to realign defence strategies and adjust regional boundaries was taken by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich.
The reorganization is based on a military assessment and reflects the changing security situation, Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO, and NATO’s commitment to securing the Arctic region.
The decision is underpinned by strategic and operational requirements, including the need to reflect the geopolitical significance of the High North and secure transatlantic sea lines of communication. The goal is to ensure the security of NATO member states' populations.
JFC Norfolk plays a strategic role in bridging North America and Europe and reinforces the Alliance’s ability to ensure coherent defence planning, command and control and sustainment of multi-domain operations across the region.
“JFC Norfolk welcomes NATO Allies Denmark, Sweden and Finland to its regional area of responsibility, Joint Operating Area-Northwest, now including the Alliance’s longest land border with Russia,” JFC Norfolk Commander, VAdm Doug Perry said welcoming Finland, Sweden, and Denmark.
“The transfer of responsibility of Denmark, Finland and Sweden to Joint Force Command Norfolk reflects the evolving security environment and new defence geometry in the Northern Europe. Transfer of responsibility realigns deterrence and collective defense to address current and future threats. It is always crucial to emphasize cooperation across all domains and regions, as threats do not respect geographical boundaries. Hence collaboration with JFC Brunssum continues and evolves,” said the Chief of Defence of Finland, Gen. Janne Jaakkola.
According to General Jaakkola, Finland is still responsible for its own defense.
- Finland
- Norfolk command
- NATO
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
