In the northern reaches of Western Europe, lies Rovajärvi, the largest artillery practice range in the region. Situated just above the Arctic Circle near Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, this remote area sees young conscripts undergoing artillery training in late May, donning thick gloves and neck warmers to combat the cold.
One of these conscripts, Iivari Luukari from Finland, has been honing his skills on howitzers similar to those used in recent European conflicts. Luukari expressed the importance of preparing for worst-case scenarios like those seen in Ukraine but remains hopeful for peace in Finland.
Finland’s commitment to national defense is evident through its concept of “comprehensive security,” where every individual, business, and government official plays a role in safeguarding the nation. This approach was highlighted during a recent visit by Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand to Finland, emphasizing the strong focus on bilateral cooperation in defense.
Janne Kuusela, a senior civil servant at Finland’s Ministry of Defence, emphasized the societal understanding that each citizen must contribute to defending the nation due to Finland’s small population and proximity to Russia.
While the military serves as Finland’s primary defense line, comprehensive security extends to industries ensuring continuity during crises and citizens maintaining emergency supplies. This collective preparedness stems from Finland’s historical context, notably the Winter War of 1939 with Soviet Russia.
The looming threats from Russia are a shared concern among Finland and its allies. Finnish Foreign Affairs Minister Elina Valtonen and Swedish officials acknowledge the evolving imperialist nature of Russia under Putin’s regime and the potential for increased military activities near NATO borders.
Both Finland and Sweden have taken proactive measures in defense readiness, including conscription and public awareness campaigns. Sweden reintroduced mandatory military service in 2017, aligning with its “total defense” approach, which mandates citizen involvement in times of heightened alert or war.
As the security landscape evolves, nations like Finland and Sweden continue to adapt to potential threats while emphasizing the importance of societal preparedness and unity in the face of uncertainty.
