International cooperation
Like many other functions in modern society, the FDF logistics system is networked with the Finnish society and foreign actors as well. Today’s operational environment is such that for being able to operate at home and abroad, the Defence Forces has to cooperate with foreign actors in all states of readiness.
One of the tasks of the Defence Forces Logistics Command is to ensure the efficient use of the Defence Forces’ capabilities and execution of operations in all circumstances.
To carry out its task, the Logistics Command has to work with domestic and foreign cooperation partners on a regular basis. The development of the Defence Forces’ capabilities involve making defence materiel procurements from abroad, and the maintenance and development of the capability of the materiel in use. This often requires intense and long-term cooperation with the defence administration of the country of manufacture or origin and the industries in the sector.
The activities of the Logistics Command also involve a different kind of international interface: One of the tasks of the Logistics Command involves the planning and execution of the practical arrangements of Defence Forces logistics in Finland and abroad. Transportation of Defence Forces personnel and materiel in connection with crisis management operations and other activities is one aspect where international cooperation is visible. Transportation is conducted in cooperation with international partners, including State and commercial actors.
Host nation support logistics
Since 2017, the Finnish Defence Forces statutory tasks have included an ability to receive military assistance in the form of materiel, troops and sharing of situation picture, for example. In addition, Finland may provide military assistance to a State, the EU or an international organisation. Assistance may be provided or received on the basis of a separate political decision.
To receive military assistance, the Defence Forces maintains a capability to arrange host nation support in Finnish territory to the party providing assistance. The Defence Forces Logistics Command is responsible for providing support for the Defence Forces’ own troops and the planning and execution of host nation support for visiting participants in cooperation with the Army, Navy and Air Force in normal and emergency circumstances.
Host nation support arrangements are tested and national defence is developed in conjunction with military exercises organised in Finland with the Defence Forces hosting foreign troops.
Host nation logistics support for visiting troops comprises, in practice, largely the same support that is provided by the Defence Forces for its own units to ensure the operating capability of its personnel and systems and the availability of its materiel. Among other things, support provision for visitors may involve entry into the country, transportation and planning of transportation, accommodation, catering, fuel, spare parts, ammunition and health care as well as environmental protection. There is a charge for logistics services provided for exercise activities as per FDF fees.
Nordic cooperation
The other Nordic countries’ armed forces and their materiel and logistics commands are among the Defence Forces Logistics Command’s most important international cooperation partners. The Logistics Command participates in the development of cooperation in the logistics and defence materiel sector as a part of the FISE cooperation carried out with Sweden and the FINO cooperation pursued with Norway.
The Nordic countries conduct cooperation in the logistics and materiel sector in the framework of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) as well.