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FROM THIS GALLERY
Allied forces train together in Finland’s forests with air and ground operations
Allied forces train side by side in Finland’s dense forests, testing air and ground coordination in fast-moving, realistic combat scenarios.
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Allied forces train together in Finland’s forests with air and ground operations
25 May 2026 - 27 May 2026
Allied soldiers from Finland, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States disembark from a US Army Chinook helicopter. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
Allied soldiers from the United Kingdom and the United States hold their positions while observing their surroundings. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
A Finnish conscript looks directly at the camera in front of a Finnish Leopard 2 tank. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
A French soldier advances through the forest during a simulated battle. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
Finnish conscripts advance through the forest with machine guns during a simulated battle. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
Finnish conscripts hold their positions in the forest awaiting orders. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
A Finnish conscript observes movement on the road before advancing to cross into the forest. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
Finnish conscripts hold their positions in the forest as they prepare for an attack during a simulated battle. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
A Finnish conscript charges through the forest with a machine gun as smoke fills the area during a simulated battle. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
A Finnish conscript holds his position in the forest while observing his surroundings. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
Finnish conscripts move across the road while securing the crossing. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
A Finnish conscript holds position in the forest while scanning the surroundings. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
Finnish conscripts advance through the forest. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
Finnish conscripts scan their surroundings before advancing through the forest. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
A Finnish conscript looks directly at the camera while holding a rifle. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
A Polish soldier poses for the camera with a sniper rifle. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
A French soldier poses with a rifle in front of a quad vehicle. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
An Italian soldier looks directly at the camera while holding a drone controller. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
A Finnish conscript dog handler poses with their canine partner. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
A British Army rifleman poses with a rifle in front of a British Army Defender light mobility vehicle. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
Finnish conscripts scan the area before advancing through the forest. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
Camouflaged Finnish Leopard 2 tanks hold position before advancing during a simulated battle Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
An Italian soldier looks directly at the camera while securing the area during a simulated battle. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
Italian soldiers hold their positions and discuss tactics during a simulated battle. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
A Finnish Leopard 2 tank advances during a simulated battle. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
An Italian soldier adjusts a radio antenna during a simulated battle. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
Italian soldiers secure the area during a simulated battle. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
An Italian soldier guards the position with a machine gun. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
Italian soldiers move along the road while another soldier secures their position. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
A Finnish Leopard 2 tank advances along a road and launches an attack during a simulated battle. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.
Finnish Leopard 2 tanks move through the forest as they advance. Exercise Northern Star 26 brings together more than 5,000 troops from seven NATO Allies – Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States for joint training in the forests of Kainuu, Finland. Soldiers train side by side in dense terrain, combining air and ground operations as Chinook helicopters insert troops into landing zones, while armoured units manoeuvre and infantry advance through the forest to engage in simulated combat. For many Finnish conscripts, this marks the final and most demanding phase of their military service, testing skills developed throughout their training. Working together in these conditions helps Allied forces strengthen coordination and improve how they operate together in harsh terrain. The exercise runs from 18 to 30 May 2026.