In response to the shifting security landscape in Europe, Finland has significantly strengthened its defense posture by raising the age limit for military reservists to 65 years, according to the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
Despite a population of just 5.5 million, Finland maintains one of Europe’s largest and most combat-ready armed forces, with 280,000 troops available for rapid mobilization and a total reserve force of 870,000. Under the government’s new plan, this number is expected to grow to approximately one million by 2031.
Major Legal Changes
Starting next year, the age limit for all reservists—regardless of rank—will be increased to 65. Until now, lower-ranking soldiers remained in the reserve until age 50, officers until 60, while high-ranking officers (colonels and above) could serve indefinitely, provided they remained physically capable.
A report from Finland’s parliamentary Defense Committee assessed the proposed reform as “extremely necessary”, emphasizing the importance of harnessing the expertise of older, more experienced reservists. This is particularly crucial in fields such as cybersecurity, infrastructure protection, and security of supply, which have become increasingly vital amid current geopolitical tensions.
Historical Vigilance Toward Russia
The move reflects Finland’s long-standing strategic caution toward its eastern neighbor, Russia. The memory of the Winter War (1939–1940) against the Soviet Union remains deeply embedded in the country’s collective consciousness.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb recently told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that “Russia’s DNA is expansion, while Finland’s DNA is survival.”
Meanwhile, former president Sauli Niinistö has urged European leaders to maintain direct communication with Vladimir Putin, warning that if Europe does not engage actively, decisions shaping the continent’s security architecture could be made without their presence at the negotiating table.
