Finland to grow special forces ranks, eyes broader international role

Finland’s defence forces plan to expand the number of special forces troops to participate in both domestic and international missions.

The number of special forces within the country’s defence structure “will increase significantly in the coming years,” Caliber.Az reports, citing the Finnish outlet Iltalehti.

According to the publication, a press statement from the Utti Jaeger Regiment — responsible for training special forces — revealed that “more professional non-commissioned officer positions will open up in the professional units of the forces in the coming years.”

In connection with this, defence branches of the latest NATO member are working to expand capacity for the next special forces training courses, which are scheduled to begin next July.

The special forces of the Defence Forces are tasked with “reconnaissance, influence and providing military support in situations where other forces are not suitable.” While their primary mission remains Finland’s defence, they will also be deployed for “missions abroad,” the statement adds.

“Applicants from all branches of the Defence Forces and the Border Guard are welcome for the special forces course – a diverse background also brings added value to special forces tasks,” the Jaeger Regiment’s release notes.

The training programme offers “versatile weapons, shooting and medical training as well as extensive transition method training, which includes, among other things, parachute jumps, water training and cooperation with helicopter forces,” according to the Regiment.

By Nazrin Sadigova