HELSINKI – Finland announced on Monday that it will raise the reservist age from 60 to 65 in 2026 to boost military preparedness against potential threats from Russia, with the reform taking effect on January 1 .Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen stated that the change will lead to an increase of 125,000 reservists over five years, bringing the total to approximately one million by 2031. Currently, Finland’s reserve comprises around 900,000 citizens, with a wartime strength of 280,000 soldiers .
Military service in Finland is mandatory for men at age 18, with voluntary service for women. The extension in age means conscripts liable for service can now serve up to 65, significantly expanding the available pool of military personnel .Finland shares a 1,340 km border with Russia and joined NATO in April 2023, after ending decades of military non-alignment. The country also closed its eastern border with Russia in December 2023 amid concerns over Moscow using migrants to destabilize Finland.