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Finland holds largest naval exercise since joining NATO

The purpose of the exercise is to develop the Finnish Navy's "tactical capabilities, the ability to support the host nation and the readiness to lead nationally and multi-nationally in all dimensions and functions, both defensive and offensive"

STOCKHOLM, November 20. /TASS/. About 20 ships from Finland, Sweden, Estonia, France, Britain, the United States and NATO are participating in the Finnish Navy's Freezing Winds 23 (FRWI 23) exercise - the largest since Finland joined the military bloc.

The Swedish Navy has delegated two Gavle-type corvettes, one Koster-type demining vessel, one support vessel and about 200 personnel to the maneuvers, running on November 20 - December 1, according to the Swedish Defense Ministry.

The purpose of the exercise is to develop the Finnish Navy's "tactical capabilities, the ability to support the host nation and the readiness to lead nationally and multi-nationally in all dimensions and functions, both defensive and offensive."

"The exercise enables Swedish units to practice together with Finland and NATO partners the ability to conduct joint naval operations quickly and effectively. In this way, we strengthen our ability to promptly respond to emerging changes in the security situation," the 4th Flotilla’s Commander Anders Backstrom said.

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