Finland Minister Flags Russia Boosting Nuclear, Subs and Bombers Capabilities in the Arctic

Russia is reinforcing its strategic assets in the Arctic and building new military facilities along Finland’s border, Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen told Euronews on February 16.

“Russia has most of its biggest strategic capabilities in nuclear, submarines, and long-range bombers in the Kola Peninsula area,” Häkkänen said in an interview on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

“They are building new military facilities along our border, same as in the Cold War. It would be wise to watch the Arctic and build Arctic capabilities,” for deterrence, he added. 

The Kola Peninsula, a roughly 100,000 square kilometer region in far northwestern Russia, hosts most of Russia’s sea-based strategic nuclear arsenal, including submarines, as well as long-range aviation assets.

Häkkänen said Finland’s forces are “fully Arctic” and ready to share their expertise with allies, and he argued the High North should have been treated as a priority years ago, saying: “It’s old news.” 

Finland has requested funding under the about $177.8 billion defense loan scheme, and its about $1.19 billion was approved by the European Commission last month, with ministers expected to give final approval this week, Euronews reported.

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Häkkänen said “a big part” of the money would go to land forces to acquire equipment, including armored vehicles and drones, and said Helsinki last year launched a reform plan to overhaul its land defense before 2035. 

Earlier, it was reported that NATO is increasing troop deployments and patrol activity in Arctic areas of Norway, Sweden, and Finland as part of the “Arctic Sentry” mission to bolster deterrence in the High North.

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