Kouvola Military Exercise: 5,000+ Soldiers Train with Allies
Witness the power of allied forces in the Kouvola Military Exercise! discover how over 5,000 soldiers, including troops from the U.S. and U.K., are sharpening their skills in Finland. This crucial Finland military exercise, spearheaded by the Karelian brigade within Karelia Sword 25, showcases Finland’s commitment to NATO and enhances vital military cooperation. Brigadier General Jyri Raitasalo highlights the increased allied interest since Finland’s NATO accession, emphasizing the importance of joint training for future defense. Improve interoperability and share best practices with the Armored Brigade, Maasotala School, and Border Guard during the exercise. News Directory 3 reports these exercises include conscript preparations for the 1,500 reservists alongside approximately 100 U.S. and British personnel, preparing the troops for the defense battle. What’s the next phase for these international partners?
Finland Enhances Military Cooperation with Allied Forces
Updated May 28, 2025
The Karelian Brigade is spearheading a major military exercise, Karelia Sword 25, in Kouvola, Finland. The Finland military exercise involves troops from the United States, the United kingdom, and other NATO allies, focusing on bolstering domestic defense capabilities and enhancing cooperation.
Brigadier General Jyri Raitasalo, commander of the Karelian Brigade, emphasized the growing interest from allies in participating in Finland military exercise since Finland’s NATO accession. Over 20,000 soldiers have engaged in these exercises across various locations, including Niinisalo, Lohtaja, Rovajärvi, Eastern Uusimaa, and Kymenlaakso.
raitasalo noted that Finland’s NATO membership has significantly increased allied participation. “It clearly shows that our allies have more interest in participating in exercises,” he said.
The Karelia Sword 25 exercise includes approximately 5,500 soldiers, with the Karelian Brigade joined by troops from the Armored Brigade, Maasotala School, Pori Brigade, Defense Forces Logistics Department, and the Border Guard. This Finland military exercise aims to improve interoperability and share best practices among the participating nations.
According to Raitasalo,training alongside international allies is crucial for future military cooperation. “We both see how others practice and prepare for the defense battle. We learn and show each other how we do,” he stated.
The exercise also serves as final training for conscript leaders and involves about 1,500 reservists alongside approximately 100 U.S. and British personnel.
Timo salmia, a reservist from Hämeenlinna, is participating in refresher exercises for the second time. “When that letter hit the mail, it was quite a shock.I thought I wouldn’t be called anymore, but here we are again,” Salmia said.
What’s next
The ongoing exercises are expected to conclude this week,further solidifying finland’s defense capabilities and its partnerships with key NATO allies.