Finland Invites USA to build Military Bases in its country to Protect from Russia

Finland Invites USA to build Military Bases in its country to Protect from Russia

EU Times

Helsinki, the capital city of Finland, is reportedly in talks with the United States on a Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) that would allow American troops to deploy freely to Finland, which was recently admitted into NATO in April. Mikael Antell, the deputy director-general for political affairs at the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is leading the bilateral negotiations, according to Helsingin Sanomat (HS), a Finnish newspaper.

Antell explained that the agreement would enhance Finland’s current NATO membership by strengthening the country’s deterrent and defense capabilities through the presence and advance stationing of US troops and defense equipment. The DCA would also enable the US to enter and stay in the country, as well as store materials and make possible infrastructure investments through funds granted to the Pentagon by the US Congress.

Despite the possibility of creating investment opportunities in Finland, Antell stressed that it was still too early to speculate on specific investments. However, he mentioned the potential funding of a maintenance hub for F-35 fighter jets as an example.

Antell clarified that the US was not aiming for a permanent presence in Finland, but rather to operate on the principle of rotation, moving troops in and out for various durations. The DCA would also not cover nuclear weapons.

The Finnish and US officials are expected to continue negotiating until next year, after which a draft of the agreement will undergo parliamentary considerations. The US is currently pursuing similar DCAs with Denmark and Sweden, according to HS.

In May of last year, both Sweden and Finland renounced their longstanding neutrality and submitted bids to join the US-led military bloc, citing a perceived threat from Russia due to its military operation in Ukraine. Finland officially became the 31st member of NATO on April 4th of this year, while Sweden’s bid is still being held up by Türkiye and Hungary, who have objected to Stockholm’s membership over national security concerns.