Finland boosts military reserve amid Russian tensions
The Finnish government plans to raise the reservists' age limit to 65, which will increase the reserve's numbers to one million soldiers. This is a response to the growing threat from Russia.
Key information
- The Finnish government intends to raise the reservists' age limit to 65.
- The reserve numbers will rise to one million soldiers.
- The changes are expected to take effect from 2026.
The Finnish government has announced a plan to increase the upper age limit for reservists to 65. Currently, reservists can serve until the age of 50, while officers and non-commissioned officers can serve until 60. Finland’s Defence Minister, Antti Häkkänen, stated that this change is expected to boost the number of trained personnel in the reserve to approximately one million.
Finland's Defence Minister, Antti Hakkanen, highlighted that this decision is a response to growing threats, including Russia's armed attack on Ukraine. Raising the reservists' age has been included in the programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's government, which is halfway through its term.
A clear signal to allies
Finland, which joined NATO in April 2023, aims to demonstrate 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 the Wednesday press conference.
Finland is one of the few European countries that did not abandon conscription after the Cold War. Currently, there are about 870,000 Finns in the reserve. In wartime, the armed forces consist of 280,000 soldiers, who are supplemented by reservists as needed.
The changes are set to come into effect from 2026, enabling Finland to further fortify its defence capabilities. According to the authorities, an army based on a large reserve will continue to be a key element of the country's security.
