Puolustusjoukot

Puolustusjoukot is the Finnish term for the national defense forces of Finland, commonly referred to in English as the Finnish Defence Forces. Established in 1918 following Finland’s independence, the force has evolved from a volunteer militia into a compulsory-conscription based military structure. It consists of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, each comprising active-duty personnel, reserves, and support units.

The core mission of the puolustusjoukot is to safeguard Finland’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security interests. The forces undertake a range of tasks including conventional defense, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response. Finland’s defensive doctrine emphasizes a flexible, adaptive posture capable of countering both conventional and hybrid threats. Recent reforms have increased the integration of cyber and space capabilities, reflecting modern warfare demands.

Conscription is mandatory for Finnish male citizens at age 18, with an option for women to volunteer. Training lasts between 165 and 347 days depending on the role, followed by a reserve obligation of up to 4 years. Reserve officers play a crucial role in maintaining force readiness. The puolustusjoukot maintain a mix of domestically produced and imported equipment, with notable systems such as the Javelin anti-tank missiles and Saab 340 landing aircraft.

In 2023 Finland formally applied for NATO membership, marking a significant shift in its security policy. The integration process strengthens interoperability with partner nations and enhances Finland’s defense capabilities through joint exercises, standardization of equipment, and shared intelligence. The puolustusjoukot remain central to Finland’s national security strategy, balancing a longstanding commitment to neutrality with a pragmatic adaptation to contemporary geopolitical realities.