The operation extends longstanding Finnish-Swedish naval cooperation into a new area of practical activity. It focuses on improving the shared recognised maritime picture and the protection of Finnish territory.
“The first time around, we look for lessons and create well-working practices by means of operating together,” said Captain Johan Tillander, chief of operations at Navy Command. “This way, we lower the threshold for conducting similar and other demanding tasks in the future when the need arises.”
All joint activities are based on a shared recognised maritime picture. “The Finnish and Swedish maritime operations centres exchange data on a daily basis,” Tillander said.
“In the cooperation in the domain of surveillance of Finland’s territory, Swedish vessels have the same peacetime powers as Finnish vessels, including the use of military force,” Tillander said. “In all situations, the cooperation is commanded by a member of the Finnish regular military personnel with national peacetime powers.”
The Finnish Navy said closer cooperation strengthens security in the North and along NATO’s eastern flank. It also improves the two countries’ ability to operate together in peacetime, during disruptions and under emergency conditions.
