puolustusvoimia

Puolustusvoimat, the Finnish Defence Forces, is Finland’s national military organization responsible for defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It operates under the Government and the Ministry of Defence and is led by the Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces. In peacetime it maintains readiness through training, conscription, and a large reserve, and in crisis or war it can mobilize a substantial portion of the population.

The Defence Forces are organized into three services: the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. They also maintain joint support functions such as logistics, intelligence, medical services, and communications. A substantial part of the force is formed from conscripts and volunteers who join the reserve after active service. The Border Guard is a separate agency under the Ministry of the Interior, though it can be integrated into national defense tasks in wartime.

Manpower is based on universal male conscription; service is compulsory for men and voluntary for women. After completing active service, personnel typically join the reserve and can be recalled if needed. The system emphasizes civilian-military cooperation and civil defense as part of national resilience.

Internationally, Finland joined NATO in 2023 and participates in allied exercises and missions. The Defence Forces cooperate with partners in Europe and participate in international training, humanitarian, and crisis-management operations within alliance and EU frameworks, while maintaining a strong national defense posture.

Historically, Puolustusvoimat traces its roots to Finland’s independence in 1918 and has evolved through the Winter War and the Cold War into a modern defense organization focused on deterrence, readiness, and total defense.