Comprehensive national defence as part of comprehensive security

Updated December 2025

The most serious threat to society is war, which underscores the importance of defence capability. Military national defence relies on the support of all sectors of society and a strong will to defend the country.

  • Comprehensive national defence is a key part of comprehensive security.
  • NATO membership will be considered in the development of a comprehensive national defence.
  • Defence needs guide the preparedness of other authorities and sectors.
  • International cooperation with the other Nordic countries and the United States is increasing.

Comprehensive security

  • Leadership, international and EU activities, defence capability, internal security, economy, infrastructure and security of supply, the functional capacity and services of the population, and psychological resilience to crises.
  • The Ministry of Defence is responsible for coordinating the components of comprehensive national defence – public and private sector measures and the voluntary activities of citizens.
  • The goal is to maintain the vital functions of society in all situations.
  • Securing vital functions is ensured in cooperation among authorities, businesses, organisations and citizens. Broad, participatory preparedness improves society’s resilience to crises.
  • Preparedness takes into account the cascading effects of possible damage to vital functions and critical sites.
  • Security of supply forms a core element of comprehensive security.
    • It includes securing the population’s livelihoods, the national economy and critical functions, as well as ensuring the production, services and infrastructure necessary for the country’s economy and national defence, both in the event of serious disturbances and in emergency conditions.
  • Preparedness in accordance with comprehensive security is managed, supervised and coordinated by each ministry in its sector.

Security Strategy for Society (2025):
https://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/handle/10024/166026

Government’s Defence Report (2024):
http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-383-852-9