OSLO, Norway — The top leaders of the National Guard Bureau, including Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus and Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines, recently embarked on a pivotal visit to Finland, Sweden, and Norway. This trip aimed to bolster security cooperation ties within the Nordic region and foster stronger military partnerships.
The National Guard Bureau leaders were accompanied by the adjutants general from states partnered with each Nordic country as part of the Department of War National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP). These included Army Maj. Gen. James Ring of the Virginia National Guard, Army Maj. Gen. Raymond Shields of the New York National Guard, and Army Maj. Gen. Shawn P. Manke of the Minnesota National Guard.
“These key strategic partnerships ensure we will strengthen our collective defenses along Europe’s northern flank,” Gen. Nordhaus stated. This visit marked his first as CNGB and Joint Chiefs of Staff member, reflecting a commitment to deepening defense cooperation and enhancing European and global security.
Historically, Norway has been a NATO founding member since 1949, while Finland and Sweden maintained a military non-alignment policy until recent geopolitical developments. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 prompted these nations to reassess their security policies, leading to Finland joining NATO in 2023 and Sweden in 2024.
In addition to a united NATO front that is reshaping security dynamics in the Arctic and Baltic Sea regions, Finland, Sweden, and Norway have formed security cooperation partnerships with the U.S. through the SPP over the past two years. Originally designed in 1993 to aid countries emerging from the Iron Curtain, the program now includes 115 nations partnered with every U.S. state and territories.
The Virginia National Guard’s partnership with Finland dates back to 2001, fostering deep professional and personal bonds through joint training on cold-weather operations and military strategies. In Finland, leaders familiarized themselves with the nation’s substantial defense capabilities and considered ways to enhance the Virginia-Finland SPP relationship.
With a border that stretches approximately 835 miles alongside Russia, Finland’s military consists of the largest pool of trained reserve forces in Europe, numbering around 870,000 personnel with the capacity to mobilize up to 280,000 troops during crises. The Finnish Lt. Gen. Vesa Virtanen noted the significance of the U.S. visit during current security challenges, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
The history of the Virginia National Guard and Finnish Defense Forces dates back to deployments in Bosnia, creating a foundation of trust and cooperation that continues to strengthen military readiness. Maj. Gen. Ring highlighted the value of these long-standing relationships and their positive impact on defense capabilities.
After Finland, the delegation traveled to Sweden, where they celebrated the formalizing of a partnership between Sweden and New York. Gen. Shields emphasized the power of collaborative alliances in combating threats to freedom.
In Sweden, the National Guard leaders prepared for an exercise involving New York Guard members serving as observers for the Swedish Army’s division staff command post exercise. The visit included a demonstration of the Swedish Air Force’s JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet, showcasing Sweden’s advanced military capabilities.
The focus on maritime security is crucial for Sweden, especially with its strategic position in the Baltic Sea. The countries began discussing a pilot exchange program that would mutually benefit both Swedish and New York pilots, recognizing their respective expertise in air assault and cold-weather operations.
Concluding their tour in Norway, the leaders acknowledged the long-standing partnership between the Minnesota National Guard and the Norwegian Home Guard, which predates the official SPP program by decades. Gen. Eirik Kristoffersen of Norway expressed how the historical relationship enhances their collaborative efforts for peace and stability.
The U.S.-Norwegian reciprocal troop exchange, known as NOREX, exemplifies ongoing military readiness training, enhancing operational capabilities in cold-weather environments. Raines emphasized the significance of being prepared in increasingly contested Arctic regions.
Norway’s geostrategic position enables it to monitor Russian naval activities in the North Atlantic. As a core NATO member, Norway emphasizes collective security while engaging closely with Nordic neighbors through the Nordic Defense Cooperation framework.
Recent statements from War Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that European nations must step up their defense commitments and contributions to NATO. During the June 2025 NATO Summit, allies pledged to invest 5% of their GDP in defense, highlighting the commitment of Nordic countries towards meeting NATO requirements, including Finland’s acquisition of F-35 jets and Sweden’s defense budget increases.
Nordhaus underscored that a strong defense industrial base is essential for military readiness, allowing coordinated operations among allies. The partnerships in the Nordic region are vital for sharing the burden of global security, reinforcing the collective readiness of both the National Guard and NATO.
This ongoing collaboration reflects the commitment to operate not just alongside allies but as a unified force, fostering an environment of shared security responsibilities.
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