Now it bursts – here is the list of the ground forces' massive winter military exercises

According to the Armed Forces, conscripts, reservists, and personnel from the Army branches and the Border Guard participate in the early winter exercises. Soldiers from various allied countries practice defending Finland with the armed forces in several exercises. Mighty Hammer 26 The Mighty Hammer 26 exercise led by the Armored Brigade begins the Army's early winter exercise activities in the Pohjankanka area in Niinisalo from October 23 to November 3. Approximately 2,000 people, most of whom are reservists, participate in the mechanized forces exercise. Nearly 400 of the defense forces vehicles are involved in the exercise, of which about 120 are armored vehicles and armored trains. Northern Spike 26 The Northern Spike 26 armored protection exercise led by the Military Schools gathers about 300 conscripts, as well as instructors and students from the personnel. The exercise takes place in the Rovajärvi training area from October 30 to November 7, 2026. Lightning Strike 26 Lightning Strike 26 is also held in Rovajärvi, which is the Army's fire control exercise, where fire control and the use of artillery systems are practiced and developed at different levels. The total strength of the exercise is about 4,100 people. The exercise is held from October 30 to November 22. Groups from Sweden, Norway, Russia, Latvia, and the Netherlands also participate in it. Mallet Strike 2/26 The most important exercise for the Air Defence forces, ADEX Mallet Strike 2/26, is held in the Lohtaja firing and training area from November 10 to 19, 2026. About 1,500 people participate in the exercise, most of whom are conscripts. Air defence forces from the allies from Norway, Sweden, and Great Britain participate in the exercise. Lapland Steel 26 The Lapland Steel 26 exercise is held in the Rovajärvi training area from November 29 to December 4, 2026. A total of about 1,860 people participate in the exercise, of whom about half are Finnish conscripts from the Infantry Brigade and the Border Guard. Groups from Sweden, Great Britain, and France also participate in the exercise. The exercise is also related to developing the joint operational capability of NATO's forward-deployed forces. Lively Sentry 26 In the Lively Sentry 26 exercise led by the Kaartio infantry regiment, about 3,550 people practice from November 27 to December 4, 2026, in the Helsinki and Vantaa areas. Along with the groups from the Kaartio infantry regiment, the Armored Brigade, the Rannikko brigade, and the Utio infantry regiment, about 1,500 conscripts, 1,200 reservists, and 850 personnel participate in the exercise. Karelian Spear 26 The Karelian Spear 26 exercise is held in the Kymenlaakso region from November 28 to December 4. The total strength of the exercise is about 4,500 conscripts, reservists, and personnel. Groups from among others, the Porvoo brigade, the Armored Brigade, the Military Schools, the National Defence University, and the Border Guard participate in the exercise. Northern Axe 26 The Northern Axe 26 exercise is held in the North Karelia region from November 30 to December 4. The total strength of the exercise is about 2,500 people, of whom 250 are reservists. Groups from the Kainuu brigade, the Utio infantry regiment, the Border Guard, and the Logistics Administration join the exercise.