Arctic Challenge 2017 Exercises Kick Off in Northern Finland

Large-scale multinational Arctic Challenge Exercise (ACE) with participation of over 100 aircraft began in the northern Finnish region of Lapland, local media reported Monday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Servicemen from Belgium, Canada, France, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States are taking part in the ACE, according to the Yle broadcaster.

The news outlet added that fighters, refuellers, rescue helicopters and planes, as well as the aircraft equipped with Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) are participating in the military drills.

The news outlet reported that the ACE had already caused protests of local residents rallying against the military exercises in Lapland's city of Rovaniemi.

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