Finland to send staff officers to Steadfast Noon exercise

Finland will send staff officers to NATO's annual Steadfast Noon nuclear deterrence exercise. The Finnish Defence Ministry said on October 9 that its participation is scheduled for October 12–24, 2026.

Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said this format best meets Finland's national objectives. Finland assesses how to participate in Steadfast Noon on a case-by-case basis, he said. The minister described nuclear deterrence as the alliance's ultimate security guarantee, including for Finland.

The exercise involves neither the use nor the movement of real nuclear weapons. Countries can provide conventional military capabilities to support NATO nuclear operations. The Finnish ministry said the drills were routine, unrelated to current international developments and not directed against any particular country.

Separately, Finland has decided to join a French initiative to strengthen nuclear deterrence in Europe. That framework provides for discussions on doctrine, joint exercises and the possible temporary deployment of elements of France's strategic air forces in partner countries.

France retains control of its nuclear weapons and decisions about their use. The initiative complements NATO deterrence and does not establish collective-defence commitments equivalent to those within the alliance.