Logistics sector and Finnish Defence Forces implemented a joint Host Nation Support exercise

The theme of the exercise was providing Host Nation Support (HNS) to allied forces coming to Finland. Host Nation Support enables allied forces to enter the country, operate in Finland and leave the country. The exercise involved three different scenarios and identified development targets in the logistics chain and support functions in a situation where a large-scale military force and equipment arrives and operates in Finland. 

“The exercise was planned for a year or so, and it was a pleasure to witness the good collective spirit and how committed participants were to the exercise. It was the first time we practised together with such a comprehensive set of participants. We have carried out exercises before, but only on a smaller scale,” says Hannamari Andersin, Secretary-General of the National Emergency Supply Organisation’s Logistics Sector.

Providing Host Nation Support requires both preparedness, foresight and close information sharing between different operators. Furthermore, the reception and maintenance of large military troops always requires food, medication and waste management, among other things. 

“Through excellent cooperation we were able to identify the key development targets as regards the reception of troops and material. It is essential for the success of Host Nation Support that the operations are prepared together with different authorities and the private sector. This allows us to ensure that different administrative branches are committed to providing Host Nation Support in an appropriate way,” says Commander Jarkko Källi from the Defence Command Finland Logistics Division. 

Preparedness and readiness exercises are part of normal security of supply operations. The exercises test and develop cooperation and society’s preparedness to cope in exceptional situations. The Logistics Sector covers the Air Transport, Land Transport, Maritime Transport and Port Pools. The exercise was funded from the National Emergency Supply Agency’s Logistics 2030 programme. 

Further information:

Communications Specialist Mari Mäkinen, tel. +358 (0)29 505 1114, mari.makinen@nesa.fi
Defence Command's media service, media.puolustusvoimat@mil.fi