“Finland has been preparing for a Russian attack for decades, and it will put up strong resistance if that happens,” he said.
The Nordic country has built a significant arsenal. But apart from the military equipment, an important factor is that the Finns will be motivated to fight.
“The most important line of defense is in the minds of our countrymen, as the war in Ukraine so far proves,” said General Timo Kivinen.
Finland has fought two wars against its eastern neighbor, with whom it shares a 1,300-kilometer border.
In fact, he has now applied to join NATO amid concerns that Russia could invade Ukraine as it did.
Since World War II, Helsinki has maintained a high level of military readiness.
“We have systematically developed our military defense precisely for this type of war being waged in Ukraine, with the massive use of fire, armor and air force,” Kivinen said.
“Ukraine turned out to be a big bite for Russia, and so would Finland,” he said.
About 100,000 Finns were killed during the country’s wars against the Soviet Union, and the country lost one-tenth of its territory.
The country of 5.5 million people, has a force of about 280,000-870,000 trained reservists in time of war, while it did not abolish conscription for men, as many other western states did after the end of the Cold War.
It has also built one of Europe’s most powerful artillery pieces and is equipped with 370-kilometer cruise missiles.
It spends 2% of its GDP on defense, a percentage higher than most NATO members.
It has ordered four new warships, as well as 64 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin.
It plans to order about 2,000 drones and build dams on its border with Russia. In a May poll, 82% of those polled said they would be willing to join the national defense if Finland were attacked.
Kivinen also welcomed Finland’s decision to apply for NATO membership. Joining the Alliance would allow Finland to increase its early warning capability by participating in the Alliance’s joint airspace control, Kivinen said.
Finland would also benefit from being prevented from being a member of an Alliance in which an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members, said the head of the Finnish Armed Forces.
“Nevertheless, the main responsibility for Finland’s defense will remain with Finland,” he added.
Source: Capital
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