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17 April 2023
by Michael Fabey
Exercises like ‘Cold Response’ in Norway help NATO countries prepare for Arctic operations. (Janes/Michael Fabey)
NATO will benefit from Finland’s Arctic naval experience, naval experts said on 3 April during the annual Navy League Sea-Air-Space conference 2023 held in National Harbor, Maryland.
The new NATO member will be particularly helpful as naval mining and countermine operations become a greater consideration, James Foggo, a retired US Navy (USN) admiral who is now the dean of the Navy League’s Center for Maritime Strategy, said during conference panel.
“Finland still has more than one minelayer,” Foggo said. “Think about [the] tremendous capability for our naval alliance. We may have to use that in the future, should tensions increase.”
The very location of Finland – and Sweden, which also is looking to join NATO – will help with operations in the High North, particularly submarine operations, said USN Vice Admiral William Houston, commander of Naval Submarine Forces; Submarine Force, US Atlantic Fleet; and Allied Submarine Command.
He noted the “tremendous opportunity” for additional sea routes and “new passageways” in the region.
Operating under ice poses difficulties, he said. “It is different.”
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