Military of Finland
Finland's defense forces consist of 34,700 persons in uniform (27,300 army; 3,000 navy; and 4,400 air force); the country's defense budget equals about 2% of GDP. There is universal male conscription under which all men serve from six to 12 months. As of 1995, women were permitted to serve as volunteers. A reserve force ensures that Finland can field 500,000 trained military personnel in case of need. Defence Forces have a common website (http://www.mil.fi/index_en.html) in English.
Military doctrine: Self-defensive; independent defense of all of domestic territory; NATO Partnership for Peace affiliate; committed to pan-European (incl. Russia) treaty of trust-enhancing cooperation like access provided for international observers during major excercises.
Also in use are Patria Sisu (Pasi), older BMP-2 Assault tanks and new Swedish Combat Vehicle 90s.
Army, Navy, Air Force, Frontier Guard (includes Sea Guard)
Military manpower - military age:
18 years of age
Military manpower - availability:
Military manpower - fit for military service:
Military manpower - reaching military age annually:
Military expenditures - dollar figure:
$1.8 billion (FY98)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:
2% (FY98)
Western Command
See also : Finland, Finnish Jaeger troops
Table of contents
1 Equipment
Equipment Army
Armour
To be replaced by Leopard A2's.
Air-defence
Crotale & late-generation Russian AA systems (BUK)
Artillery
Brigades are equipped with 152 mm howitzers. Army corps are supported by 155 mm field cannons and 122 mm multiple rocket launchers[?]. Armoured brigades are equipped with armoured howitzers.
Air Force
Transport/support helicopter modernisation under discussion.
Navy
Emphasis on coastal defence with state-of-art anti-ship missileboats, minelayers and minesweepers.
Military branches
males age 15-49:
1,262,526 (2000 est.)
males age 15-49:
1,041,795 (2000 est.)
males:
34,651 (2000 est.)
Peace Time Organization of The Finnish Defence Forces
Eastern Command
Northern Command
Navy
Air Force