Polish troops deploy Homar rocket launchers to Finnish Lapland for winter drills

Polish artillery troops have transported Homar-K rocket launchers to Finnish Lapland to join Northern Strike 225, a winter exercise involving about 2,200 soldiers and 500 vehicles near the Russian border, Finnish ground forces said.

The Polish brigade said the deployment marks a “special moment” for the unit, as Homar-K rocket launchers were prepared for air transport for the first time in the history of Poland’s armed forces.

Photo: MON

The Northern Strike maneuvers are taking place at a training range near Rovaniemi and are led by a brigade from Finland’s Kainuu region, which lies close to the Russian frontier. The drills are scheduled to run until Nov. 25.

Around 40 Polish soldiers from the 1st Masurian Artillery Brigade are taking part with a heavy firepower unit. The aim is to test artillery firepower alongside allied forces in harsh early winter conditions, the Finnish army said.

The Polish brigade said the deployment marks a “special moment” for the unit, as Homar-K rocket launchers were prepared for air transport for the first time in the history of Poland’s armed forces.

Finland’s armed forces said late-year training is particularly intensive. From November to December, more than 20,000 personnel from the army, navy and air force will take part in various exercises nationwide, including Finnish conscripts, reservists, allied troops and units from other services such as the border guard.

(jh)

Source: PAP