Finnish Maj. Gen. Juha-Pekka Keränen, right, and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Scott Robertson stand outside the headquarters of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.
MAYA JOHNSON
Maj. Gen. Juha-Pekka Keränen, commander of the Finnish Air Force, visited the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) headquarters in April 2024 in an exchange that demonstrated ongoing efforts to strengthen ties and deepen collaboration between NORAD, USNORTHCOM, Finland and other Nordic allies and partners. Accompanying Maj. Gen. Keränen was Col. Markus Mecklin, the Finnish Defence cooperation attaché stationed in Washington D.C. Keränen and Mecklin met with numerous personnel from NORAD and USNORTHCOM, including Rear Adm. Scott Robertson, Brig. Gen. Robert D. Davis and Rear Adm. L. Sean Regan.
Keränen and Mecklin received a bi-command and global perspective briefing that highlighted the roles and perspectives of the joint command. Additionally, they attended a briefing and discussion on NORAD planning, Finnish perspectives and coordination of operations.
One key discussion topic was Finland’s signing of a new air defense agreement and its role in the recently established Nordic Air Operational Center (AOC). This collaborative agreement involves air forces from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden as highlighted in the joint intent agreement signed on March 16, 2024, by their air chiefs, including Keränen. The agreement aims to create a Nordic model for cooperative air operations based on established NATO procedures, enabling seamless operation as a single force. This collaboration encompasses cooperative airspace monitoring, training, flexible force deployment, integrated command and control, and operational planning and execution.
Keränen’s also touched on plans for further Finnish engagement with United States European Command and NATO. Another key theme was the necessity to enhance all-domain awareness capacity and capability. Finland’s proactive stance is evident in joint exercises such as Nordic Response, which took place from March 3-14, 2024, as part of NATO’s largest exercise since the end of the Cold War. Nordic Response involved over 20,000 participants from 13 countries and was held in Finland and Norway. Nordic Response is the latest example of Finland’s commitment to enhancing defense readiness and collaboration in the face of contemporary security challenges.
Both Finland and the United States, as well as other Arctic nations, recognize the importance of increased collaboration and information sharing to address common security concerns in the region. These concerns span geopolitical tensions and environmental changes, highlighting the need for a concerted effort to mitigate resource constraints and bolster defense capabilities. Discussion included the need to enhance information sharing with allies and partners and the shared goal of maintaining security, economic stability and prosperity in the Arctic region while safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Keränen’s itinerary was not limited to NORAD and USNORTHCOM. He also participated in the 49th Space Symposium hosted by the Space Foundation in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The symposium brought together leaders from commercial, government and military space sectors worldwide to discuss and strategize for future advancements in space exploration. He also met with leaders of the Virginia National Guard at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. During their visit, Keränen, Mecklin and Kankaisto toured an F-22 Raptor and the 185th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, who provided insights into the squadron’s cyber defense and intelligence capabilities. This interaction helped fortify the strong relationship between the Finnish military and the Virginia National Guard. The visits with the Virginia National Guard, NORAD and USNORTHCOM and participation in the space symposium highlight Finland’s commitment to foster the exchange of ideas and enhance collaboration with the United States. Furthermore, it reaffirms the collective dedication to global security and cooperation, emphasizing Finland’s engagement in regional defense issues and space-related initiatives aimed at enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities.
Maya Johnson is a recent graduate of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver and interned at United States Northern Command.