Finland is strengthening its defense capabilities due to the threat from Russia, which has moved to a prolonged confrontation with the West. The new Defense Report emphasizes the need to strengthen national defense, modernize the air force and navy, and integrate NATO forces, UNN reports with reference to the Finnish Ministry of Defense.
The defense report states that Russia has moved to a more open, unpredictable and prolonged confrontation with the West. It will continue to pose a long-term security threat to both Europe and Finland.
Given Finland's location on NATO's external border, the country must take care of its own defense capabilities as a member of the Alliance. It is also important that NATO's deterrence and defense posture is in line with current security challenges.
"We will strengthen Finland's ability to withstand a wide range of influences, resist military pressure and fight potential large-scale wars that could last for many years. We will reform national defense, as well as bring major ongoing projects in our Air Force and Navy to the finish line. We will create conditions for the implementation of the Alliance's collective defense in Finland. Military service, a large reserve and a strong will to defend the nation will remain the foundation on which Finland's defense is built. The Finnish principle of total defense means that our defense is backed by strong public support," said Defense Minister Heikkanen.
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