Finland eyes major boost in professional troops Amid NATO integration

Finland is contemplating an increase in its professional military personnel to better align with future defence needs and its obligations as a NATO member. 

Esa Pulkkinen, Permanent Secretary of Finland’s Ministry of Defence, highlighted the potential for a substantial expansion in an interview with the public broadcaster, Caliber.Az reports.

Currently, the Finnish Defence Forces comprise between 7,000 and 8,000 professional troops. Pulkkinen suggested that this number might prove insufficient in the long term, though no concrete decisions have been made as the issue remains under review.

Pulkkinen emphasized that Finland’s recent accession to NATO will necessitate changes to its defence strategy and military structure. 

"Our partnership with NATO introduces new dynamics into our military operations, impacting all facets of our defence capabilities," he stated.

As Finland integrates more deeply into the NATO framework, the country is evaluating how best to enhance its military to meet future security challenges and obligations.