**Finland and Poland Hold Joint Military Drills Amid Russia Tensions**
In a move to strengthen their defense capabilities, Finland and Poland have held joint military exercises, simulating an attack and defense of an airfield. The drills, called Northern Forest Saber, took place in Finland’s forests, where aircraft thundered overhead as soldiers stormed the airstrip.
The exercises were carried out with NATO allies, taking into account lessons from Russia’s failed 2022 operation to capture Kyiv. In that operation, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence head, Kyrylo Budanov, said Russian forces were unable to land a single aircraft in Hostomel and Moshchun, forcing them to withdraw.
**Learning from Past Mistakes**
The Northern Forest Saber drills involved airdropping Polish airborne forces and Finnish units onto an airstrip, with the objective of capturing and holding it. At the same time, Finnish troops had to repel the assault and retake control of the site.
Finland’s Colonel Matti Honko acknowledged that the exercises provided valuable experience for the country’s military, particularly in air defense and superiority. Polish Brigadier General Michał Strzelecki emphasized the importance of airborne operations in early war phases, noting their ability to deploy troops rapidly can be decisive.
**Preparing for Potential Scenarios**
The drills were openly acknowledged by NATO as incorporating lessons from the war in Ukraine. Despite Russia’s failure to capture Kyiv, NATO allies are determined not to repeat the enemy’s mistakes and are preparing today for potential scenarios of aggression.
As countries bordering Russia, Finland and Poland recognize the importance of being proactive in their defense strategies. The joint exercises demonstrate a commitment to strengthening military capabilities and cooperation among allies, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with Russia.
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