Finland, Sweden and Denmark to be transferred to Joint Force Command Norfolk

Finland, Sweden, and Denmark were transferred to Joint Force Command Norfolk's (JFC Norfolk) area of responsibility in the NATO command structure. The official ceremony was held in Helsinki today, on 5 December 2025.

NATO's Joint Force Commands (JFCs) in Naples, Brunssum and Norfolk are responsible for the planning, execution, and support of NATO operations. JFC Norfolk is responsible for the Atlantic and Arctic regions. JFC Norfolk's area of responsibility already includes Iceland, the United Kingdom, and Norway.

This decision to realign defence strategies and adjust regional boundaries was taken by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich. The reorganization is based on a military assessment and reflects the changing security situation, Finland and Sweden's accession to NATO, and NATO's commitment to securing the Arctic region. The decision is underpinned by strategic and operational requirements, including the need to reflect the geopolitical significance of the High North and secure transatlantic sea lines of communication. The goal is to ensure the security of NATO member states' populations.

JFC Norfolk plays a strategic role in bridging North America and Europe and reinforces the Alliance's ability to ensure coherent defence planning, command and control and sustainment of multi-domain operations across the region.

JFC Norfolk Commander, VAdm Doug Perry, welcomes Finland, Sweden, and Denmark:

"JFC Norfolk welcomes NATO Allies Denmark, Sweden and Finland to its regional area of responsibility, Joint Operating Area-Northwest, now including the Alliance's longest land border with Russia."

"The transition underscores NATO's commitment to collective deterrence and defence from the High North. JFC Norfolk will continue to work closely coordination with nations as a mission capable HQ alongside JFC Brunssum and JFC Naples and ready to deter potential adversaries and defend our sovereign territory across all domains, from seabed to space. Together, we are building a stronger Alliance," he added.

The Chief of Defence of Finland, Gen. Janne Jaakkola, spoke to the significance of the transition:

"The transfer of responsibility of Denmark, Finland and Sweden to Joint Force Command Norfolk reflects the evolving security environment and new defence geometry in the Northern Europe. Transfer of responsibility realigns deterrence and collective defense to address current and future threats. It is always crucial to emphasize cooperation across all domains and regions, as threats do not respect geographical boundaries. Hence collaboration with JFC Brunssum continues and evolves."

According to General Jaakkola, Finland is still responsible for its own defense.

"Finland is celebrating her independence tomorrow. We are and will always be responsible for our own security and defence, and Finland is ready and willing to continue contributing to deterrence and collective defense alongside with our allies."

According to the Chief of Defence of the Swedish Armed Forces, Gen. Michael Claesson, the High North, the Nordic region, and the Baltic Sea are deeply interconnected across all domains.

"Activity in one area affects the others. By bringing the Nordic countries under a more coherent framework under JFC Norfolk, while remaining closely linked to JFC Brunssum, NATO strengthens unity of command and purpose. For Sweden, this is a historic and strategic moment, not as a separate actor, but as a security provider and an integrated part of the Alliance."

The Chief of Defence of the Danish Armed Forces, Gen. Michael W. Hyldgaard, states:

"With this transition Denmark will be able to accelerate and strengthen the good and close cooperation regarding defence and deterrence together with our friends in the Nordic Countries. Additionally, this transition also means that the defence of the Kingdom of Denmark now will be gathered under one NATO command."