The Airforce will provide the required infrastructure and an airport
Source: Airman Magazine
The U.S. Air Force is set to establish a presence beyond the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Finland, providing airport facilities and infrastructure, as reported by Sarbaz.kz, citing Defence24.
Conditions for the presence of U.S. troops on Finnish soil are being defined within the framework of the bilateral Finnish-American Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA). None of the agreements have been officially disclosed at this time. Experts suggest that the U.S. Armed Forces might be granted access to one of Finland's airports and a seaport.
According to Finnish media reports, the U.S. Air Force will provide access to an airport and infrastructure north of the Arctic Circle, which is currently utilized daily by the Lapland Squadron of F/A-18 Hornet fighters. Additionally, Rovaniemi will become the first base for the 64 new F-35 fighters purchased by Finland, gradually replacing the old Hornets starting from 2026.
"In practice, the DCA agreement means the establishment of American bases and a permanent or rotational presence of U.S. troops," writes the Finnish newspaper IL, highlighting that an attack on Finland would be considered an attack on the United States. This statement refers to the visit of the American leader to Helsinki in July, during which the U.S. reiterated its commitment to defending every inch of the Alliance's territory, including Finnish territory.
It is expected that negotiations on the DCA will conclude early next year, after which the agreement will be submitted to the Finnish Parliament for approval.