Finland extends reservist age to bolster defense against Russia
The Finnish government is planning to raise the reserve age to 65, which will increase the reserve's strength to a million soldiers. This move is in response to Russia's growing threat.
Key information
- The Finnish government wants to raise the reserve age to 65.
- The reserve's strength will increase to a million soldiers.
- The changes are set to come into effect in 2026.
The Finnish government has announced a plan to raise the upper age limit for reservists to 65. Currently, reservists can serve until 50 years of age, while officers and non-commissioned officers can serve until 60. Raising the reserve age aims to "strengthen Finland's defence and security".
Finland’s defence capability is based on general conscription, a trained reserve and a strong will to defend the country. By raising the maximum age of reservists, we are giving more people the possibility to participate in national defence, announced Finland's Minister of Defence, Antti Hakkanen.
Finland's Minister of Defence, Antti Hakkanen, emphasized that this decision is in response to increasing threats, including Russia's armed attack on Ukraine. Raising the reservists' age has been included in the program of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's government, which is halfway through its term.
A clear signal for allies
Finland, which joined NATO in April 2023, wants to show its commitment to defence to its allies.
This is proof for Nato allies that Finland did not pause when it joined Nato but takes the strengthening of national defence very seriously, said Hakkanen at a Wednesday press conference held at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
Finland is one of the few European countries that has not abandoned compulsory military service after the Cold War. Currently, there are about 870,000 Finns in reserve. In times of war, the armed forces consist of 280,000 soldiers, supplemented as needed by reservists.
The changes are set to be implemented from 2026, allowing Finland to further strengthen its defence. Authorities believe that an army based on a large reserve will remain a key element of the country's security.
