Mikkeli’s role as a military city is set to strengthen. NATO’s Multi Corps Land Component Command will be established in Mikkeli, operating alongside the Finnish Army Headquarters in the Karkialampi military area.
Mayor Janne Kinnunen welcomed the decision with satisfaction.
“I am extremely happy on behalf of all Mikkeli residents that NATO and the Finnish Defence Forces have made this decision. I warmly welcome NATO to Mikkeli”, Kinnunen says.
Kinnunen emphasizes that the presence of the NATO will make Mikkeli a more international and vibrant city, impacting not just the Mikkeli region but also contributing to the development and geopolitical security of all Eastern Finland.
“The establishment of the Command in Mikkeli will ensure the continuity of the cooperation that the City of Mikkeli and local authorities have had with the Defence Forces. The Finnish Army Headquarters has been an important employer in our region for years, even though its activities may not be immediately visible in the daily lives of locals. NATO and the Finnish Defence Forces’ decision is strategic and defence-related, but it is also highly beneficial for the city’s infrastructure and economy, positively impacting regional development”, Kinnunen continues.
With this favorable decision, the city is ready to invest in the needs of NATO and its personnel, as well as those of its partners and stakeholders.
“Mikkeli will become even more international and well-known. Our services will develop in response to various needs. The city will carefully listen to the requests from NATO and the Defence Forces, whether they concern infrastructure, transportation, English-language services, education, zoning, or any other matter where the city can play a role. NATO in Mikkeli will significantly shape the city’s future. As we continue to internationalize, we are actively considering solutions to help new residents integrate”, Kinnunen says.
Kinnunen believes that Mikkeli’s existing strengths played a key role in the decision. The region’s advantages have gained significant attention over the past year.
“Mikkeli’s location is particularly favorable, as Helsinki is only a couple of hours away by road or rail. Additionally, we have a functioning airport. Our greatest asset, of course, is the presence of the Finnish Army Headquarters at Karkialampi. Not far from Mikkeli, in the Kymenlaakso region, are also the significant regiments. Mikkeli’s rich and honorable military history has undoubtedly added to our importance and reputation, which played a role in NATO’s decision to place its Multi Corps Land Component Command here.”
NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a political and military alliance consisting of 32 member states. Finland joined NATO in 2023. With its membership, Finland became part of NATO’s collective defence, which strengthens the preventive aspect of Finland’s defence capabilities.
Photo: Santeri Iltanen, Finnish Goverment