Finland takes drastic measure to increase military troops amid Russian threat

The Finnish government has announced plans to raise the maximum age for military reservists to 65, a move that could add 125,000 troops to its reserve forces in the event of a conflict. The Nordic nation aims to grow its total number of reservists to one million by 2031.

Military service is mandatory in Finland, which became a NATO member in 2023. After completing their service, recruits are added to the national reserve. Currently, Finnish men can be called up for military duty until the age of 60 — a limit the government now seeks to extend.

"Finland's defence capability is based on general conscription, a trained reserve, and a strong will to defend the country. By raising the maximum age of reservists, we are giving more people the possibility to participate in national defence," said Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen in a statement.

Finland’s reserve force currently includes approximately 870,000 people, and the proposed age increase would help the country reach 1 million reservists by 2031.

The government has submitted the proposal to all political parties, and it will soon be debated in parliament.

(QG - Source: Reuters — Picture : © Unsplash)