The agreement with the United States is aimed at ensuring rapid military access and assistance to Finland in the event of a conflict

On December 18, Finland will sign a defense cooperation agreement with the United States. The agreement provides for the deployment of American soldiers and military equipment to support the defense of the Nordic country, the Finnish government said.

The agreement with the United States is aimed at providing rapid military access and assistance to Finland in the event of a conflict, officials said ahead of the announcement. Officials note that this will facilitate the organization of operations in peacetime and could be critical in a crisis.

The agreement lists 15 facilities and territories in Finland to which the US military will have unimpeded access and where it will be able to store military equipment and ammunition.

In a related development, Sweden, which has applied for NATO membership, signed a similar agreement with the United States last week. It gives the United States access to 17 territories, including air bases, harbors, and military camps. Also, Norway, a current NATO member, has granted the U.S. military access to four areas on its territory as part of its own defense cooperation agreement.

Finland has stated that it will not allow the storage or transportation of nuclear and biological weapons or anti-personnel mines on its territory in accordance with international non-proliferation treaties that it has previously fulfilled. It is noted that U.S. troops may have a permanent presence and conduct regular exercises in Finland, but there are no plans to establish permanent bases. The agreement will be signed in Washington, DC, before formal ratification by lawmakers in both countries.