In the scenario, the enemy goes on the attack against Northern Norway and Finland – which triggers NATO’s Article 5 on collective defence.
– This is a realistic scenario, but it could also be something else that happens. This area has always been central to Russia, says Juha-Pekka Keränen, Chief of the Finnish Air Force.
The attacking opponent in the exercise is called “Occasus” but there is no doubt about which country it is about.
– We are developing an ability to defend ourselves regardless of direction, and Russia is the defining threat right now, says Swedish Air Force Chief Jonas Wikman.
The goal: Strike back
The exercise is taking place all over the North Calotte. 3,000 Swedish soldiers transport themselves from the Boden area to Finnish Lapland where they form a joint army division with Finnish troops. The goal is to fight back, waiting for North American forces to arrive.
– We are working together with forces on land, at sea and in the air to push back the threat and restore NATO territory, says David Patchell, deputy commander of the US Second Fleet.
According to observers, however, it may take days and up to weeks before NATO’s Article 5, the promise of collective defense, can be realized. But the NATO top David Patchell does not want to say anything about the possible waiting time.
– It is a very interesting question, I think that NATO will want to respond quickly in support of each country within the NATO alliance, he says.
“Joint Air Combat Forces”
In Bodö in Northern Norway, NATO and the Norwegian Armed Forces have set up a joint air control center. The air force commanders of the Nordic countries hope that the form of cooperation will become permanent within a year or so.
– Within two years, that ability will be developed, where we have created methods to lead our joint air forces together, says Jonas Wikman.