Leading up to the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington, Breaking Defense has gathered exclusive insights from key defense officials along NATO’s northern border—the Arctic region, where Russia and China are increasingly active. Below, Finnish Defense Forces General Janne Jaakkola offers an overview of Finland’s military posture one year after joining the alliance.
The aftermath of the conflict in Ukraine notably led to the accession of Finland and Sweden into NATO, expanding the alliance’s territory by almost 788,800 square kilometers. This inclusion also extended NATO’s land border with Russia by over 1,300 kilometers, augmenting the alliance’s wartime capabilities with an additional 344,000 troops, more than 1,000 artillery units, over 300 main battle tanks, and 160+ fighter jets.
The strategic dynamics in the Northern region, marked by Finland and Sweden’s NATO membership, have implications for the broader alliance. Geographically, the Arctic and Baltic regions are pivotal considerations due to the interests of Western nations, Russia, and China in leveraging the Arctic’s resources and strategic sea routes. The Baltic Sea plays a crucial role in Russian maritime trade, emphasizing the significance of Finland’s neighborhood in the broader strategic landscape.
The Finnish Defense Forces, shaped by the country’s unique geography and history as Russia’s neighbor, have evolved into a robust defense capability. With a focus on general conscription and comprehensive defense, Finland contributes to NATO’s collective deterrence and defense. Enhancing capabilities through cooperation with Allies and partners, Finland’s military strength lies in its blend of modern technology, a proficient reserve, and a readiness to operate in harsh Arctic conditions.
The Finnish military, comprising 280,000 troops, is equipped and trained for operations in challenging Arctic environments. The Air Force demonstrates proficiency in advanced surveillance and weapon systems, while the Navy specializes in coastal operations in icy conditions. Finland’s strategic focus on preparedness and defense aligns with NATO’s objectives, reinforcing the Alliance’s commitment to regional security.
Collaboration with NATO is integral to Finland’s defense strategy, with ongoing participation in military exercises and deployments within the NATO framework. Strengthening regional defense plans through bilateral and multilateral partnerships ensures flexibility and adaptability in addressing security challenges. By actively engaging in defense activities and aligning with NATO missions, Finland demonstrates its dedication to enhancing regional security and contributing to Alliance objectives.
Beyond military defense, Finland views security as a collective effort involving society as a whole. Emphasizing comprehensive security, Finland emphasizes the coordinated utilization of national assets in crisis situations, reflecting a shared responsibility of the state and society. The country’s strong public-private partnerships and close collaboration with industries ensure resilience and readiness to address defense needs effectively.
Amidst global uncertainties, Finland remains steadfast in its commitment to national defense, with a significant majority of citizens expressing readiness to defend the country, even in uncertain circumstances. Strong public support for NATO membership underlines Finland’s alignment with the Alliance’s security objectives, reinforcing its role as a reliable and active NATO member dedicated to regional stability and collective security.
