Thread by @virtaava

DCA Agreement Revealed: Finland Opens 15 Military Areas for the United States

Finland and the United States' bilateral defense cooperation agreement (DCA) consists of 30 articles. 1/9

Under this agreement, the U.S. military gains the right to use 15 different military areas in Finland, committing to actions that strengthen Finland's defense. 2/9

The DCA allows the U.S. military to use designated areas across Finland, including land, sea, and air force facilities
The areas are in joint use by Finland and the U.S., owned by the Finnish government. 3/9

However, within these areas, there may be spaces exclusively reserved for the military of either country.
The agreement allows the U.S. to transport, store, and maintain defense equipment, supplies, and hardware in agreed-upon areas and designated storage facilities. 4/9

This includes the possibility of stationing American tanks and fighter jets in Finland, along with the storage of ammunition and missiles.
There will be a permanent presence of some American soldiers in Finland, responsible for guarding and maintaining their equipment. 5/9

The agreement doesn't specify the quantity or type of U.S. forces stationed in Finland; this will be decided in subsequent negotiations. 6/9

Crucially, American forces have prepared defense plans for Finland in the event of a Russian attack. These plans align with Finland's national defense strategy and can be implemented bilaterally without the participation of other NATO countries. 7/9

The DCA is set to be signed in Washington on December 18 and will be valid for ten years, with the option for renewal. 8/9

Notably, the agreement does not mention the storage of nuclear weapons in Finland. While Finland's existing nuclear energy law prohibits the import of nuclear explosives, potential changes to the law are being considered.
#DCA #DefenseCooperation #FinlandUSAlliance 9/9