Areas of expertise
In this section
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Finland’s membership in NATO
Finland’s security environment was fundamentally altered when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Based on a reassessment of the security policy situation, Finland decided to apply for NATO membership in May 2022, and it became a full member in April 2023.
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International defence cooperation
The goal of international defence policy networking is to secure the defence capability with parties who are prepared to develop and use in cooperation their capabilities.
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International exercise cooperation
Finland participates actively in international exercises. As a Member of NATO, international exercises will become an increasingly integral part of normal training and exercises in the Finnish Defence Forces.
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Voluntary national defence
Voluntary national defence and the coordination of voluntary national defence measures in various administrative sectors fall within the purview of the Ministry of Defence. It is the Ministry’s duty to manage, supervise and develop voluntary military training.
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Defence materiel and the defence industry
The aim of the defence administration's materiel policy is to maintain and develop military capabilities on a long-term basis by acquiring materiel and services that are suitable for the tasks of the Defence Forces and internationally compatible.
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Military crisis management
The Ministry of Defence is responsible for the political preparation, steering and monitoring of military crisis management participation and for ensuring resources unless the tasks fall within the competence of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
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Research
Research provides grounds for the planning, decision-making and development regarding defence capability.
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Territorial surveillance
In matters pertaining to the Territorial Surveillance Act, the Ministry of Defence is the highest authorising body.
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Arms Control
The tasks of the Ministry of Defence in the field of arms control include participation in, follow-up of and influencing international negotiations, the overall steering and coordination of the field in defence administration and support to other authorities.
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Security
The priority of the security work in the Ministry of Defence is to create and maintain a high-level security culture to which the management in the administrative branch is committed on all levels.
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Space
The Ministry of Defence coordinates space-related matters in its administrative branch in cooperation with the Defence Command’s key divisions and also chairs the defence administration’s space coordination group.