Finland to Expand Reserve Forces, Raising age Limit to 65
Helsinki, Finland – Finland is increasing the age limit for reservists to 65, a move designed to bolster its defense capabilities in light of the evolving security landscape in Europe.The change, slated to take effect in early 2026, will expand the pool of trained troops to approximately one million.
currently, the upper age limit for reservists is 50, and 60 for officers and non-commissioned officers.the new legislation,currently before parliament,will allow for the recall of higher-ranking officers deemed fit for service beyond their current age limits.
Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen emphasized the significance of the decision,stating,”This is another step in strengthening the security of Finland. Finland’s national defense is based on its wide reserve, and our will to defend the country is higher in Europe.”
Finland, with a population of 5.5 million, currently maintains a reserve force of around 870,000 individuals, supplementing its active armed forces of 280,000 soldiers. Raising the age limit is projected to add approximately 125,000 personnel to the reserves, working towards a goal of one million trained soldiers by 2031.
The move follows Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and Finland’s subsequent accession to NATO in 2023. Finland remains one of the few European nations to maintain mandatory military service, viewing a large, well-trained reserve as central to its national security strategy.
