Implementation of defence policy as part of the alliance

NATO’s ability to respond to the Russian threat is central to Finland. That is why Finland participates extensively in the Alliance’s activities without imposing national caveats.

• A strong and functional NATO is in Finland’s interest. If military force is used against Finland, it will defend itself with NATO’s support in accordance to pre-planned and practiced arrangements.
• NATO’s deterrence consists of conventional forces and capabilities, missile defence and nuclear weapons, complemented by space and cyber capabilities.
  • From Finland’s security and defence perspective, NATO’s deterrence must be credible, include all its components, and establish the highest possible threshold for any military action against Alliance members.
  • Finland strengthens the credibility of NATO’s deterrence and defence and supports efforts to further strengthen the Alliance’s overall deterrence and defence posture.
• Finland’s defence will be developed in a long-term, systematic and comprehensive manner.
  • Defence is scaled and adapted according to the security situation, strategic position and military threats.
  • Finland will take care of its strong national defence capability and its adequate and sustained resources.
• National crisis resilience and NATO’s shared resilience are prerequisites for deterrence and defence, as well as for the implementation of the Alliance’s tasks.
  • The Defence administration creates conditions for effective cooperation with NATO allies.
  • The key operating conditions for Finland’s defence are up-to-date legislation, sufficient resources, including personnel, and reliable, modern defence materiel and infrastructure.
  • Conscription, as well as an extensive and trained reserve with a high will to defend the country, are important.
  • The Ministry of Defence prepares NATO matters for consideration by the Government, and the joint meeting of the President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security policy and ensures that Parliament receives information.