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British Troops Join Finland’s Northern Axe 25 Arctic Drill Near Russian Border
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British soldiers from C Company, 3rd Battalion The Rifles (3 RIFLES) have joined Finland’s Kainuu Brigade for winter warfare training in the Vuosanka training area about 30 miles from the Russian border, according to the British Army on December 10.
The British Army stated that its troops practiced battle scenarios, including live-fire attacks and defensive tactics, in forested terrain and sub-zero conditions.
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Finland’s Army reported that its “Northern Axe 25” combat exercise took place from November 29 to December 5, involving approximately 3,000 personnel, around 600 vehicles, and participation by UK soldiers.
Major Henry Wootton, a company commander in 3 RIFLES, said the training mattered because “we have lots to learn from each other,” while Finnish and British officers described the drill as part of building interoperability after Finland became a NATO member in April 2023.
Finland’s Army has described Northern Axe 25 as part of a broader early-winter exercise package involving about 15,000 personnel across the country, while recent Finnish Army data showed 76.29% of eligible men in the 2025 call-up age group were ordered to military service.
Earlier, it was reported that Finland’s early-winter nationwide drills involved tens of thousands of troops and included UK participation to run joint operations and live-fire training in harsh conditions.
