Finland Times

     The Nordic country intends to put more forces to the exercise than previous years, said Finnish daily Helsingin Sanomat, adding that about 180 soldiers from the Finnish coastal Jaeger units will take part.

     In addition to the soldiers, minelayer Hameenmaa and its staff officers will also be involved in the training, said the daily.

     Carl-Magnus Wasenius, Chief of the Uusimaa Brigade, explained that Finland decides to send more troops to the exercise this year because this exercise is larger in scale than ever.

     The aim of the annual BALTOPS (Baltic Operations) exercise is to practice crisis management skills in virtual scenarios, including evacuation of people in emergency situation, protecting airports from attacks and so on.

     Although not a member of NATO, Finland has been within the framework of the alliance's Partnership for Peace program and has regularly been involved in BALTOPS in recent years.