puolustusvoimiin

Puolustusvoimat, or the Finnish Defence Forces, is the national military organization responsible for the defense of Finland and for supporting civil authorities in emergencies. It operates under the Ministry of Defence, with the President of Finland serving as commander-in-chief and the Chief of the Defence Forces directing activities in peacetime under government oversight. The Defence Forces plan and conduct operations to deter aggression, defend national territory, and contribute to international security when required.

The Defence Forces are organized into three branches: the Army (Maavoimat), the Navy (Merivoimat) and the Air Force (Ilmavoimat). The Defence Forces Headquarters coordinates planning, training and logistics, while regional units ensure readiness across the country. The system relies on a combination of universal conscription for men, complemented by voluntary service for women, with a strong emphasis on reserve forces. Recruits undergo basic training and then participate in regular refresher exercises to maintain combat readiness.

In addition to national defense, the Defence Forces engage in international cooperation, peacekeeping and crisis management missions through United Nations, European Union and, since 2023, NATO-related activities. Finland’s accession to NATO has deepened interoperability with allied forces, leading to increased joint exercises and shared defense planning. The Defence Forces also collaborate with partner countries and participate in Nordic-Baltic security initiatives to strengthen regional resilience and crisis response capabilities.