Where is the key NATO base just 140 km from the Russian border?
Thursday, April 11, 2024 21:27 PM (GMT+7)
NATO military forces are moving closer to Russia's borders than ever before, as a key base is established.
The Finnish city of Mikkeli, located just 140 km from the Russian border, will become the site of an additional headquarters for NATO's ground forces. This information was published by the Iltalehti newspaper, citing sources in the foreign affairs and security sector. According to Reporter.
The establishment of the above-mentioned key, high-readiness base is to ensure 24/7 planning and implementation of NATO training activities in the region, according to Reporter.
The move is aimed at enhancing defense capabilities in the current geopolitical context and strengthening NATO's military presence near Russia's borders, according to Reporter.
Mikkeli was chosen as the headquarters for several reasons: The city already has the Finnish Army headquarters, an airport, is the capital of the province of South Savonia, and has symbolic significance as the hometown of Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen. According to Reporter.
According to sources, the NATO headquarters in Mikkeli will operate under the control of the headquarters in Norfolk, USA, emphasizing the alliance's desire to create a single command structure for all Nordic countries. According to Reporter.
The decision received strong support from Norway, which expressed its desire for all countries in the region to be under unified leadership from Norfolk, according to Reporter.
The additional headquarters in Finland is seen as a step towards maximizing the membership benefits of all Nordic countries in NATO, according to Reporter.
In the coming period, about 375 officers from the Alliance countries are expected to coordinate the operations of the ground forces, as well as prepare for the integration of Sweden and Finland into NATO's command structure. According to Reporter.
In addition, NATO is increasing its military presence in key areas of Europe. In Romania, construction of the largest base has begun, with an estimated cost of 2.5 billion euros. According to Reporter.
The facility, an extension of the Mihail Kogălniceanu air base, will cover an area of 2,800 hectares and have a total perimeter of 30 kilometers. Up to 10,000 NATO servicemen and their family members will be able to live there permanently, according to Reporter.
The site will be equipped with runways, hangars, storage and staging facilities for weapons, fuel, lubricants, simulation equipment, as well as schools, kindergartens, shops and hospitals... According to Reporter.
In addition to the aforementioned base, Ukraine and the North Atlantic Alliance will establish a joint training center JATEC (Joint NATO-Ukraine Analysis, Training andEducation Center) in the Polish city of Bydgoszcz, according to Reporter.
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg added that not only Ukraine but also the North Atlantic Military Alliance needs such a center located in Poland. According to Reporter.
Mr. Stoltenberg did not disclose details about the work and functions of the Center, only saying that it will facilitate the process of sharing experiences. Currently, it is reported that the first meeting of the JATEC Project group has taken place. According to Reporter.
JATEC, with its multi-year nature, is an important component of NATO's Comprehensive Support Package, so support needs to be provided to ensure the full implementation of the very ambitious goals set by the project's initiators. According to Reporter.
PV (According to ANTĐ)
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