Finland will allow reservists called up to service to bring their own firearms, drones and GPS devices under new military guidelines introduced in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Finnish Defense Forces said reservists may take privately owned weapons and equipment with them when reporting for duty, although their use will be assessed upon arrival.
“We want to enable bringing one’s own weapon, if one owns a weapon suitable for military use. In this way all resources would be available in a possible emergency,” the army officials said.
The move expands earlier mobilization instructions, which had mainly covered clothing, hygiene items and basic camping gear.
Finland, a country of 5.5 million, has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in the world, with around 1.5 million licensed firearms, most of them hunting rifles and shotguns. Roughly one in three adults owns a gun.
“There is enough weapons and ammunition in military warehouses in case of war, but if reservists also bring their own private weapons to units, then all national weapons resources will be available in the event of a real threat,” military officials said.
“Reservists equipment purchases are a positive thing from the Defense Forces’ perspective, as they can strengthen a reservist’s capabilities and support the maintenance of skills,” they added, noting that bringing privately owned equipment remains voluntary.
Finland’s defense system is based on conscription, with mandatory service for men and voluntary service for women, backed by a large reserve force.
During wartime, the military is expected to field 280,000 troops, supported by a reserve of about 870,000, which is projected to grow to around one million by 2030 after an increase in the upper age limit for reservists.
The Finnish authorities have moved to strengthen the country’s 1,300-kilometer-long border with Russia since Moscow invaded Ukraine. The war also prompted Finland to abandon its long-standing policy of neutrality towards its eastern neighbor by joining NATO.