The Finnish government has submitted a proposal to Parliament to raise the upper age limit of reservists from 60 to 65 years, according to the Finnish Ministry of Defense on August 28. The measure would make Finland’s wartime reserve the largest in NATO, with a pool of 870,000 trained personnel, of whom about 280,000 are designated for wartime tasks.
If approved, the reform is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. The extension would apply to officers, non-commissioned officers, and rank-and-file members, ensuring that experienced reservists remain available for longer periods.
The Ministry stated that the proposal is intended to “secure access to experienced reservists” and maintain wartime strength under evolving security conditions. Medical and training standards will remain unchanged, and only those deemed fit for duty would be called up.
Finland, which joined NATO in 2023, has significantly reoriented its defense policy in response to Russia’s war against Ukraine. By raising the service age, Helsinki aims to bolster readiness and demonstrate its ability to contribute the alliance’s largest reserve force.
Earlier, it was reported that Finland will reintroduce the use of anti-personnel landmines starting January 10, 2026, following its formal withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty.
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