A ceremony has been held in the Swedish city of Boden to officially launch NATO’s new multinational Forward Land Forces Finland (FLF Finland) group.

Axar.az reports that the force currently consists of 300 Swedish troops, but plans call for the contingent to expand to 1,200 personnel and, if necessary, to a brigade of around 5,000 troops.

According to Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson, Sweden’s participation in the project strengthens its role within NATO and increases its influence inside the alliance.

“These forces are being deployed near the Russian border and are intended to provide a rapid response and defense against potential threats,” Jonson said.