German PATRIOT unit integrates with Finnish forces

A German PATRIOT firing unit has deployed to Finland to integrate with a Finnish brigade during Exercise Mallet Strike 24-1.

The exercise aims to train tactics, techniques, procedures, and Command and Control structures.

“We successfully conducted a combined sea and road move from Germany to Finland, deploying 50 vehicles and 40 trailers over 1,500 kilometres to an assembly area in the Lohtaja Military Training Area,” said Lieutenant Colonel Christoph Schmaler, Commander of the German PATRIOT detachment.

“We are running system and connectivity tests with our equipment to ensure communication with our Finnish colleagues. Over the weekend, we will move to the firing positions where we will start operating under Finnish Command. We are looking forward to being the first NATO Ally to participate in this Finnish exercise, which has been conducted since 1952,” he added.

The integration of Finnish and German Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) units demonstrates NATO’s cohesion and capabilities, say the Alliance.

“We conduct this exercise twice a year, in the spring and the fall, with a mix of live firing and live flying drills,” said Finnish Inspector of the Ground Base Air Defence Forces Colonel Mano-Mikael Nokelainen.

“Our participants from all services – and now for the first time from our Ally Germany – will collaborate to repel simulated enemy air attacks, including in an electronic warfare environment. The exercise prepares all GBAD operators across the whole chain of command for their wartime mission of defending.”