NATO's Nordic Drills Signal Strategic Shift Amid Russian Tensions

Sweden and Finland join over 20,000 troops in historic exercises, marking a departure from neutrality and bolstering NATO's northern defense.

Sweden and Finland's participation in NATO's Nordic Response 2024 exercise marks a significant shift from their long-standing policies of neutrality, in response to Russia's aggression.
The exercise, involving over 20,000 troops from 13 nations, is part of NATO's largest set of drills since the Cold War, aimed at defending its newly expanded Nordic territory.
Sweden is poised to join NATO imminently, following Finland's accession last year, transforming the security landscape of northern Europe and the Arctic Circle.
The drills, spanning air, land, and sea, include more than 50 ships and over 100 aircraft, demonstrating NATO's readiness to defend its borders and democratic values.
The exercises have drawn criticism from Russia, with warnings of defense measures to counter the perceived threat to its national security.