Maintaining defence readiness and countering attacks with the support of NATO

Under normal circumstances, the national territory is monitored, violations of territory are prevented and the readiness to improve the efficiency of operations is maintained. If necessary, support from NATO can be obtained. It is also possible to participate in managing crises outside Finnish territory by committing troops to an international military crisis management operation.

In the event of threats, the Finnish Defence Forces will enhance command readiness, increase surveillance, protect targets, provide executive assistance to other authorities and maintain situational awareness, which will also serve NATO.

Military threats will be met by raising readiness through increased powers and resources and by preparing to establish the troops required by the threat. Where necessary, NATO will provide support. The aim is to establish a sufficiently high deterrence for the threat and use of military force against Finland. It will form part of the foreign, security and defence policy as a whole and will be proportionate to the development of the situation. The deterrence will be established by national and NATO forces and will have a restraining effect against attacks.

Countering attacks against Finland will be based on operational, regional and local forces and a common defence capability supported by the resources of society as a whole. Defence readiness and the use of force will be regulated as required by the threat and Finland’s own actions.

The critical functions of society will be secured, and the militarily important sites and functions will be protected in cooperation with the civil authorities. The attacker will be deterred from entering those areas that are key for the country’s operations, and the ability to influence vital functions will be prevented.

Such areas and targets will be defended by the Army in all circumstances. Air Defence will prevent the attacker from gaining air superiority and will protect the vital functions of society and Finland’s own troops. The task of Naval Defence will be to repel attacks from the sea and to secure maritime connections. The attacks will be repelled, and the attacker will be vanquished by joint operations of the Defence Forces, if necessary. While NATO’s activities are designed to support national defence, membership in the defence alliance means that Finland is also prepared to defend other NATO countries.