Two Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornets and two Hawks. Photo: Tommi Anttonen / Str / Lehtikuva
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Finland will take part in NATO’s annual nuclear deterrence exercise ‘Steadfast Noon’ for the first time since joining the alliance.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed on Friday that Finland will send F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft and staff officers to the multinational training event. The exercise will run from 13 to 24 October 2025.
Antti Häkkänen, Finland’s Minister of Defence, said the country’s involvement reflects its full participation in NATO’s defence activities.
“Nuclear deterrence is part of NATO’s everyday work,” Häkkänen said. “Finland participates in NATO’s nuclear planning and policy-making, and therefore it is natural that we also join NATO’s annual nuclear exercise.”
Steadfast Noon is part of NATO’s regular training calendar. It does not involve any live nuclear weapons. The aim of the exercise is to test and maintain the operational readiness of NATO’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
NATO’s nuclear policy combines nuclear, conventional and missile defence capabilities, and includes space and cyber defence. According to NATO, the objective of its nuclear forces is to prevent conflict through deterrence and to ensure collective defence.
“Finland’s defence is ultimately supported by the military power of the entire Alliance, including its nuclear deterrence,” Häkkänen said. “Nuclear exercises ensure the credibility, effectiveness, safety and security of NATO’s nuclear deterrent. This also increases security in Finland.”
Finland formally joined NATO in April 2023. This year marks the country’s first direct contribution to a NATO nuclear readiness exercise.
Finland is not a nuclear-armed state and does not host nuclear weapons. Its participation in Steadfast Noon focuses on operational support and command functions. The Ministry of Defence did not disclose the number of aircraft or personnel involved.
The location of the exercise has not been officially announced, but previous iterations have taken place in various Western European member states. In 2024, the exercise was hosted by Italy and involved aircraft from over a dozen member countries.
Steadfast Noon typically includes dual-capable aircraft and conventional support elements. Participating forces simulate the handling and deployment of nuclear weapons in a strictly non-operational environment. The objective is to improve coordination and decision-making in crisis situations.
Häkkänen is Finland’s representative in NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group, which oversees the alliance’s nuclear policy and planning. Membership in the group allows Finland to take part in high-level discussions on nuclear strategy and deterrence posture.
The Ministry of Defence said Finland’s participation helps strengthen the credibility of NATO’s collective defence commitments and supports Finland’s integration into alliance structures.
The Finnish Defence Forces have operated American-made F/A-18 Hornet aircraft since the late 1990s. The fleet is set to be replaced by F-35 fighters beginning in 2026. Until then, Hornets continue to serve as the main combat aircraft for national defence and NATO operations.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
