Finnish military personnel install the Finnish national flag at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, on April 4, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

HELSINKI - The government of Finland has decided to sign the so-called Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with the United States, which would allow the US armed forces to use 15 of its military areas.

The government published the DCA document on Thursday, which would grant US soldiers access to Finland's air force bases, naval bases, garrison areas, training areas, storage areas and Border Guard barracks.

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The DCA would enable the US forces to preposition defense equipment, supplies and material in the territory of Finland, and would allow for the entry and movement of US aircraft, vessels and vehicles.

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In August 2022, Finland opened negotiations with the United States on a DCA. These were concluded in October 2023.

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The government of Finland proposes to authorize Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen (or in his absence Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen) to sign the DCA on Dec 18 in Washington DC.

Since the DCA contains provisions of a legislative nature, it is subject to approval by Finland's Parliament.