ROVAJÄRVI, Finland — On a snowy day in November, about 100 kilometers from the Finnish-Russian border, a commanding voice pierces the cold air with the Swedish command “Avfyra!” signaling the operation of the Archer self-propelled howitzer. The gun, which is expertly concealed among thin trees, fires a rapid succession of two rounds, hitting targets designated by Finnish soldiers at various locations throughout the exercise range.
This event is part of Exercise Lightning Strike 24 (LS24), where NATO forces are sharpening their joint long-range fire capabilities. The exercise features five participating artillery units from France, Britain, Sweden, Finland, and the United States, and is a critical segment of NATO’s “Dynamic Front” series, believed to be the largest artillery exercise series ever held in Europe. Simultaneously, drills are taking place across multiple countries, including Estonia, Germany, Romania, and Poland.
The central objective in Finland’s northern Lapland region is to enhance interoperability among the nations’ various artillery systems. According to Finnish Colonel Janne Makitalo, the director of the event, the exercise comprised a total of 130 artillery pieces. The training aims to rehearse the procedure through which forward observers—tasked with locating simulated targets—transmit their coordinates to artillery units for effective “servicing,” a term commonly used among artillery personnel.
The communications observed during LS24 are facilitated through secure digital channels, allowing for effective coordination between different national units. This system operates under the umbrella of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARCC), NATO’s rapid response force. Classifying the selection process for the most effective artillery platform, British Colonel Alex Forbes explained that decisions are made based not on nationality, but on the potential for maximizing impact on the battlefield.
At the heart of this coordination is the Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities (ASCA)—a suite of encrypted software that serves as NATO’s digital communication backbone. This technology enables multiple nations to sync their artillery systems with command and control functions, allowing for real-time information sharing across the exercise’s battlefield. This year has witnessed a record integration of 15 countries employing ASCA, further streamlining communication and data sharing across forces, regardless of their individual systems.
Colonel Forbes elaborated on the importance of this practice, emphasizing its role in “deconflicting fires across a battlefield.” The scenarios during LS24 involved engaging a simulated near-peer adversary, necessitating massed multinational firepower to ensure secure movement for infantry and armored units. Drones were employed for reconnaissance, launching fire missions while remaining concealed, complemented by support from Finnish F-18 Hornets that patrolled the skies.
The exercise seeks to accelerate the operational tempo—shortening the ‘kill chain’—meaning the duration from target identification to engagement must be minimized. French Brigadier General Eric Lendroit pointed out that learning from Russian tactics in Ukraine, it’s crucial to refine the link between command and control, drones, and artillery systems.
Leadership from both Finnish and U.S. military ranks noted that although Europe faces notable shortages in ammunition, these constraints did not detract from the exercises. Major General Rafferty of the U.S. 56th Artillery Regiment, highlighted that the American and Finnish forces are ramping up production of 155mm shells. In contrast, French representatives articulated concerns regarding overall ammunition stockpiles, indicating that while assessing target acquisition and efficient use of available munitions remains essential during exercises, the status of ammunition supplies is a nearby tactical reality that cannot be ignored.
