Finland eyes defense-spending boost well past NATO mark
Finland’s conservative-led government has unveiled a broad plan to lift defense spending from $6.8 billion in 2025 to $11.5 billion in 2032.
The government’s proposal, which has gained the majority support of the main opposition parties in the Eduskunta, the parliament here, would reposition Finland’s annual spending on defense closer to 3.3% of GDP, placing it well above NATO’s 2% guideline.
Schweden hat ein mechanisiertes Bataillon nach Lettland verlegt:
Historic Swedish Force deployed in Latvia
In the early hours of Saturday, January 18th, the ship carrying large parts of the Swedish battalion arrived at the port in Riga, escorted by the Swedish Air Force and units from Swedish Navy. This marks Sweden’s largest commitment since joining NATO – participation in NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia as a part of the Multinational Division North.
The Swedish contribution consists of the 71st Battalion from Södra skånska regementet P 7. The battalion will be stationed outside the town of Adazì.
The Swedish battalion will be deployed in Latvia for approximately six months. After those six months, the Swedish force will rotate home and be replaced by a Danish force.
