German PATRIOT Air Defence System Unit Joins Finnish Brigade for Exercise Mallet Strike 24-1

A German PATRIOT unit joined a Finnish brigade for Exercise Mallet Strike 24-1, enhancing NATO's interoperability and defense capabilities. The exercise involves live firing and electronic warfare drills, preparing participants for joint defense operations.

A German PATRIOT firing unit has joined a Finnish brigade for Exercise Mallet Strike 24-1, marking a significant step in NATO's collaborative training efforts. The exercise aims to enhance tactics, techniques, procedures, and Command and Control structures among participating forces.

Lieutenant Colonel Christoph Schmaler, Commander of the German PATRIOT detachment, detailed the deployment: "We successfully conducted a combined sea and road move from Germany to Finland, deploying 50 vehicles and 40 trailers over 1,500 kilometers to an assembly area in the Lohtaja Military Training Area. We are running system and connectivity tests with our equipment to ensure we can communicate with our Finnish colleagues. Over the weekend, we will move to the firing positions and start operating under Finnish Command. We are looking forward to being the first NATO Ally to participate in this Finnish exercise, which has been conducted since 1952."

Colonel Mano-Mikael Nokelainen, the Finnish Inspector of the Ground Base Air Defence Forces, emphasized the importance of the exercise: "We conduct this exercise twice a year in the spring and the fall, incorporating live firing and live flying drills. Our participants from all services, now including our Ally Germany, will collaborate to repel simulated enemy air attacks, including in an electronic warfare environment. This exercise prepares all GBAD operators across the chain of command for their wartime mission of defense."

The German PATRIOT unit, consisting of 120 personnel, will integrate fully into Exercise Mallet Strike alongside up to 1,700 Finnish Defence Forces participants. Embedded in the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System via the Finnish Control and Reporting Centre, the German unit will contribute to the Recognised Air Picture and practice engagement operations against drones and aircraft within a joint combined Missile Engagement Zone.

This collaboration between Finnish and German Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) forces demonstrates NATO’s commitment to cohesion and interoperability. Combined exercises like Mallet Strike are crucial for enhancing cooperation and ensuring effective deterrence and defense among Allied forces.

Exercise Mallet Strike 24-1 is a testament to the strategic partnership within NATO, fostering robust defense capabilities and preparedness. The integration of the German PATRIOT unit into this long-standing Finnish exercise highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen military ties and operational effectiveness among NATO Allies.