Statement regarding Italy’s participation in NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Finland

Statement regarding Italy's participation in NATO's Forward Land Forces in Finland

Italy has announced its participation in NATO's Forward Land Forces (FLF) in Finland. Defence ministers Antti Häkkänen and Guido Crosetto discussed Italy's participation during their bilateral discussion on 22 October 2025. Forward Land Forces Finland is an important part of NATO's deterrence and defence posture on the Northern Flank.

In a discussion between the Defence Ministers on 22. October, minister Crosetto confirmed Italy's readiness to participate in FLF Finland. Minister Häkkänen warmly welcomed Italian participation as a strong signal of European solidarity.

Sweden is the Framework Nation and Finland the Host Nation for FLF Finland. By creating conditions for rapidly receiving, integrating and deploying Allied units into the region, FLF Finland will strengthen NATO's posture and deterrence.

Italy's participation is a strong expression of Allied unity. Earlier this year, Denmark, France, Iceland, Norway and the United Kingdom, in addition to Finland as host nation and Sweden as framework nation, have already expressed their intention to be engaged in the further development of the Forward Land Forces in Finland. Together with Nordic countries and now three major European powers, we enhance Allied deterrence and defence in the High North and for the whole Alliance.

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