Karelian Sword: Finland’s strategic answer to Russia

Finland possesses one of the most extensive conscription systems in Europe. It is mandatory for men upon reaching the age of 18, while women have the opportunity to perform voluntary military service. Service lasts from six months to a year, depending on the specialization and the role performed. After training, soldiers join the reserve, where they regularly participate in military exercises. Finland’s professional army is relatively small; however, the state possesses large mobilization capabilities. If necessary, the state is capable of fielding hundreds of thousands of trained reservists.

Maintaining such a system is motivated by events in Finland’s history and its geopolitical situation. The commander of the Finnish Karjalan prikaati (Karelian Brigade), Colonel Ari Määttä, explained this issue in an interview with PAP: „We have over 1,200 kilometers of border with Russia. Therefore, we must maintain our conscription system. (…) We know very well where the threat may come from.”

Colonel Määttä led the „Karelian Sword” exercises, which took place in southeastern Finland. Approximately 10,000 Finnish soldiers participated, including 5,800 conscripts, 2,700 reservists, and about 1,400 professional soldiers. In addition to the Karelian Brigade, Finnish units participating in the maneuvers included the Pori prikaati (Pori Brigade), Panssariprikaati (Armored Brigade), Maasotakoulu (Army Academy), Maanpuolustuskorkeakoulu (National Defence University), Kaartin jääkärirykmentti (Guard Jaeger Regiment), Utin jääkärirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment), and the Rajavartiolaitos (Finnish Border Guard). Soldiers from the United Kingdom and the United States also took part in the exercises. These included, among others, soldiers from an engineering company of the Virginia Army National Guard and a combat helicopter detachment.

The maneuvers took place in Karelia. The region is heavily forested and full of lakes and marshes, which limits the possibility of using heavy equipment. In such conditions, smaller, mobile units that know the terrain and can utilise the surrounding environment gain the advantage. History has shown the advantages of Finnish territory; during the Winter War (1939-1940), the Finns effectively defended themselves in Karelia despite the significant numerical advantage of the Soviets.

The conscription system enjoys exceptionally high support in Finland. Young Finns are quite willing to enter service, and the prestige of the army remains high within society. Colonel Määttä concluded that Finland is already prepared for a potential conflict with the Russian Federation. Parallel to the „Karelian Sword” exercises, the „Northern Star” maneuvers were underway on Finnish territory, where troops from many allied nations practiced combat in difficult terrain conditions.