Poland sends HIMARS rockets to Lapland exercise
The HIMARS is a multiple rocket launcher that has proven key important on the battlefields in Ukraine to stop Russian invaders. Now, it is tested in demanding Arctic conditions.
It is the first time Polish artillerymen participate in an exercise inside the Arctic Circle in Finland. The country’s Ministry of National Defense says in a statement that the goal is to see how well the Polish military cooperates with forces of other NATO countries.
The exercise, named Northern Strike 25-2, takes place at the Rovajärvi firing range northeast of Rovaniemi in Lapland. The area is the largest training ground for artillery in western Europe and is located about 90 kilometres from Finland's border with Russia.
HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) is a missile launcher mounted on a truck which can fire six guided missiles in quick succession. The US made weapons has a range of up to 80 km, which is longer than similar Russian rocket systems. For Ukraine, the HIMARS have proven successful in striking Russian weapons deposits and command posts in distance from the frontlines.
The Polish Armed Forces says the exercise in northern Finland is an "excellent opportunity" to test the HIMARS and other weapons in extreme climate. Temperatures in the area were below -20°C on Saturday morning.
NATO's Joint Force Command Brunssum says in a statement that the exercise is designed to strengthen interoperability, reaction speed and operational readiness in dark, freezing cold winter, but it also serves as "a clear signal of unity, cooperation and preparedness among allied nations, demonstrating their ability to train, deploy and operate together in demanding northern conditions."
Finland is currently investing heavily in its armed forces in Lapland, facilitating for rapid reinforcement by NATO allies to the region in case of war-like scenarios.
Russia's barbaric war in Ukraine is draining resources from the northern regions, but Leningrad Military District plans for a significantly expanded presence troops in the longer run near the border with Finland and Norway.
The ongoing Northern Strike 25-2 artillery exercise in Lapland involves around 2,200 soldiers and more than 500 military vehicles and systems.
Finland is currently preparing for the Swedish-led NATO's Forward Land Forces establishement in Lapland which will train and exercise regularly in the area, including an ability to scale up to brigade level.
This week, the permanent representatives of NATO member states visited Rovaniemi and Rovajärvi to get a clearer understanding of warfare training in Arctic cold.
“With Finland as a member, the Arctic has grown in significance for NATO. The purpose of this visit is to highlight the importance of the northeast corner of the Alliance and to give the permanent representatives a deeper understanding of Finland as an Ally,” said Elina Valtonen, Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs.
