Finland has adapted smoothly to NATO membership, according to Commander Mikko Sistonen, who serves at the alliance’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium.
Sistonen says Finnish troops have integrated easily thanks to strong general skills and language capabilities.
– We have had no difficulty operating in NATO, whether in military expertise or language skills. We can communicate clearly in English and make our views understood when needed, he told Verkkouutiset.
Finland joined NATO in spring 2023, ending decades of military non-alignment following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Since then, the country has been gradually integrated into NATO’s command structure and operational planning.
Strong reputation inside NATO
According to Sistonen, Finland enjoys a strong reputation among allies.
Finnish personnel are seen as reliable, hard-working and easy to cooperate with. Their professional competence has also stood out in a multinational environment.
– Finns perform well. We are considered trustworthy colleagues that others want to work with, he said.
At SHAPE, Sistonen works as Finland’s deputy national military representative, helping coordinate operational information between Finland’s Defence Forces and NATO.
His role includes both participation in NATO operational planning and managing Finnish personnel assigned to alliance duties, as the number of Finnish staff continues to grow.
Conscription and Russia expertise draw attention
Sistonen says NATO allies are particularly interested in Finland’s military model and experience.
One key strength is Finland’s long-standing conscription system, which produces a large, trained reserve force.
– It is seen as one of our strengths and it generates clear interest, especially during joint exercises, he noted.
Finland’s system combines professional soldiers, reservists and conscripts, creating a broad-based defence structure. According to Sistonen, the level of individual soldier skills demonstrated in exercises has impressed allies.
– The level of competence our conscription-based army brings into action commands respect, he said.
Finland’s expertise on Russia is another asset, although Sistonen stresses that it is shared by other frontline states such as Poland and the Baltic countries.
Learning to operate within NATO structures
Despite Finland’s long partnership with NATO prior to membership, full integration has required learning new systems and practices.
Sistonen notes that NATO operates differently as a 32-member alliance compared to cooperation frameworks with partner countries.
– Full members do things differently. We have had to learn many new processes that were not accessible before, he said.
He emphasizes that Finland must adapt to NATO’s structures rather than expect the alliance to adjust.
– Finland joined NATO – NATO did not join Finland, Sistonen said.
Building Finland’s NATO role
Finland’s emerging NATO profile is based on three main elements.
First, the country is a frontline state in Northern Europe, bordering Russia. This geographical position makes it strategically important for NATO’s deterrence and defence.
Second, NATO’s presence in Finland is increasing in peacetime. This includes new command structures and units, such as a land forces command element in Mikkeli and a forward land forces presence (FLF).
– These are part of building readiness so that we are better prepared if a crisis occurs, Sistonen explained.
Third, Finland contributes to NATO operations with its air and naval forces, including participation in joint air policing and standing naval groups.
From national defence to alliance integration
Before joining NATO, Finland primarily conducted military exercises independently, inviting partners when needed. Now, allied forces regularly train in Finland alongside Finnish conscripts and reservists.
At the same time, Finland must continue developing its ability to operate within NATO’s large-scale command structures, where many allies have decades of experience.
– We already have the capability to operate within NATO in a compatible way, Sistonen said.
– The next step is to build the bigger picture so that we can function as effectively as possible within the alliance.
