The inspection is under way within the framework of the OSCE concept of control over arms and confidence- and security-building measures. The goal pursued in the inspection trip is to verify the trustworthiness of the arms and personnel information Finland provides for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
About 70 trips related to the OSCE concept are made in Europe annually.
In this trip, to last until May 19, the Russian delegation of four observers will inspect military units in Helsinki, Tuusula, Hameenlinna and Parola.
The delegation will also inspect the Satakunta air base (near the cities of Tampere and Pirkkala), where this year's biggest European international air force exercise Adex 05 began on Monday.
The exercise will continue for two weeks, the Finnish Defense Ministry said. It has gathered 700 personnel and 46 aircraft from Finland, Sweden, France and The Netherlands.
