Finland, along with Sweden, has officially been accepted into the NATO alliance. The small nordic country of just 5.5 million people, which shares an 800-mile border with Russia has reversed decades of neutrality to join the ranks of NATO in a massive blow to Vladimir Putin.
So, what will Finland bring to the alliance?
Finland has built up a substantial arsenal and would put up stiff resistance if a Russian attack occurred, its armed forces chief said.
Finland has kept up a high level of military preparedness since World War Two, and has built one of Europe’s strongest artilleries and stocked up on cruise missiles with a range of up to 370 km (230 miles). It is ordering four new warships and 64 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin.
Finland has applied to join NATO, and will benefit from the alliance’s joint airspace control and deterrence. However, the main responsibility for Finland’s defence will still be borne by Finland, according to the defence minister.
