2026-03-29 10:00
publication
2026-03-29 10:00
A reservist called up to the army in the event of a threat of armed conflict should take his own shotgun, rifle or pistol with cartridges, as well as a drone and a GPS device if he has such equipment to the unit – according to an updated regulation of the Finnish Armed Forces.
The military administration has expanded the catalog of items for reservists conscripted into the army in connection with Russia's attack on Ukraine. Previously, the list belonging to the mobilization card included, among others: clothing, hygiene products and a basic camping kit – Yle radio reported.
5.5 million Finland is one of the countries in the world with the most registered firearms per capita. On average, every third person has a private weapon (over 15 years of age can apply for a firearms permit with the consent of their guardian). According to police statistics, most of the approximately 1.5 million licensed firearms are hunting weapons, i.e. shotguns and rifles.
– There are enough weapons and ammunition in military warehouses in case of war, but if reservists also bring their own private weapons with them to the units, all national weapons resources will be available in the event of a real threat – argues the staff.
The command also emphasizes that the usefulness of reservists' weapons in the private army will be assessed after reporting to the unit, similarly to the use of private drones for potential military tasks.
The Finnish army is based on universal conscription (compulsory service for men, voluntary for women) and a wide reserve. For the duration of the war, the size of the armed forces is estimated at 280,000. soldiers, whose numbers are supplemented when necessary with reserve forces of 870,000. people. At the beginning of 2026, the upper age limit for reservists was raised (from the current 50 years to 65). Thanks to this change, after 2030 the size of the reserve will increase to approximately one million people.
Przemysław Molik from Helsinki
pmo/wr/
