maavoimat

Maavoimat, the Land Forces of Finland, is the army component of the Finnish Defence Forces (Puolustusvoimat). It is responsible for Finland’s ground defense, border security, and contributions to international peacekeeping and crisis management missions. The Land Forces rely on a conscription-based system alongside professional personnel and a large reserve force, with conscripts forming a trained pool that can be mobilized in times of need.

Organizationally, Maavoimat comprises regional formations and combat units, including infantry and mechanized elements, an armored capability, artillery, engineers, and air-defense and support services. It operates from several bases and training centers across Finland and emphasizes mobility, all-weather readiness, and interoperability with allied forces. The force continually modernizes its equipment, communications, and command-and-control capabilities to improve deployability and resilience.

Historically, the Land Forces trace back to Finland’s independence in 1917 and fought in the Winter War (1939–1940) and the Continuation War (1941–1944). In the postwar era they were reorganized to address changing security conditions and later integrated into Finland’s contemporary defense framework. Since the 1990s, Maavoimat has pursued modernization and professionalization, including increased cooperation with Nordic and European defense initiatives.

International cooperation and NATO alignment have shaped Maavoimat in recent years. Following Finland’s accession to NATO in 2023, the Land Forces have aligned more closely with allied standards and participate in joint exercises and training to strengthen interoperability with partner nations.