From the 2nd to 5th May 2023, the Director General of the NATO International Military (DGIMS), Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak was in Finland, where he met with various military officials to discuss security priorities and opportunities for military integration. This visit comes on the heels of Finland's accession to the Alliance on the 4th April 2023.
The visit started with a meeting with the Finnish Military Representative to NATO, Lieutenant General Kim Jäämeri, at the Finnish Defence Command, Lieutenant General Adamczak reiterated how important Finland's accession is to the Alliance. He underscored that "Finland is stronger and safer within NATO, and NATO is stronger and safer with Finland as an Ally. We look forward to enhancing our already strong collaboration. We share the same values and are committed to defending the rules-based international order and the principles of transatlantic security".
The programme continued with a visit to exercise ARROW 23, where he met with the Chief of Defence Command Finland, Lieutenant General Vesa Virtanen and observed the joint effort of almost 2,200 participants from 6 Allied nations. "Finland's armed forces, including reserve forces, are highly trained and highly capable. For many years, troops from Finland and NATO countries have worked and exercised side-by-side as partners. Now we stand together as Allies in the defence of our 1 billion people", underscored the Director General.
According to Lieutenant General Virtanen, the NATO integration process has been advancing actively and multi-dimensionally. The Finnish official noted 'the importance of military integration advancing simultaneously and on a number of levels. This enables us to ensure that Finland's defence is fully integrated into the Alliance's collective defence. A strong national defence capability combined with NATO membership will generate a credible security solution far into the future".
Later that day, Lieutenant General Adamczak visited the Finnish Air Force Command, where he noted that "Finland has tremendous experience in providing security in the Baltic Sea and Arctic regions, with considerable maritime, land, and air including air defence capabilities. Their membership will significantly enhance our posture in the High North and our ability to reinforce our Baltic Allies".
After a short visit to the Vaalimaa Border Station and an introduction to the Finnish Border Guard, the Director General headed back to Helsinki to meet with the Chief of the Finnish Defence Forces, General Timo Kivinen. Their discussions centred on Finland's recent accession and the military requirements still needed for their full integration. Lieutenant General Adamczak was then briefed on the Finnish Defence Forces' comprehensive approach to defence, in light of the new security environment, challenges posed by force generation as well as their national command and control system.
The visit concluded with an office call with the Finnish Ministry of Defence's Permanent Secretary Mr. Esa Pilkkinen. Discussions focused on the path to full integration, where the Director General stressed that "Finland is already fully interoperable with NATO, thanks to more than three decades of us working closely together. And we are grateful to now be able to count on you as an Ally".
