KERAVA, Finland — In light of concerns over Russian expansionism and following its recent entry into NATO, Finland is prioritizing the enhancement of its national self-defense capabilities beyond its conventional military forces.
The interest in weapons training has surged in Finland recently, with shooting ranges reflecting the growing enthusiasm for self-defense. The catalyst for this increased focus can be traced to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s directive for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which has left a lasting impact on the Finnish populace and contributed to a heightened fascination with firearms.
The Vantaa Reservist Association, operating a shooting facility in a repurposed warehouse north of Helsinki, has witnessed a significant surge in membership, increasing from around 1,000 to over 2,100 members in just two years. Association chairman Antti Kettunen remarked, “People seem to feel the urgency to acquire these skills.” He added, “The air has shifted; it now feels charged with the realities of threats from the east.”
Earlier this year, the Finnish coalition government announced plans to create upwards of 300 new shooting ranges, a substantial increase from the current 670. Authorities are actively promoting public interest in national defense within a nation that shares a long 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) border with Russia, a country where recreational activities like ice hockey have traditionally dominated.
Lawmaker Jukka Kopra, who heads Finland’s defense committee, stated that “Interest in national defense has always been high in Finland, but the Russian aggression towards Ukraine has further amplified this concern.” Finland became NATO’s 31st member last year, followed by Sweden’s accession in March. Recently, both nations have revealed plans to enhance their civil defense strategies, although they have chosen not to directly name Russia as a concern.
The revival of self-defense initiatives extends well beyond shooting ranges. The National Defense Training Association reports hosting a total of 120,000 training days this year, which is more than double the sessions held three years prior. Similarly, the national reservists’ association, largely composed of military reservists and about 90% engaged in similar activities, has expanded by over two-thirds since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, now boasting more than 50,000 members.
Finland has also retained approximately 50,000 Cold War-era civil defense shelters, capable of accommodating about 85% of its 5.5 million citizens, in stark contrast to many other European nations. Tomi Rask from Helsinki Rescue Services highlighted the importance of these shelters, reiterating the need for preparedness against potential threats. “We understand that our neighbors can pose a danger to us and our citizens, prompting the necessity for readiness,” he asserted following a recent tour of one such facility in the capital.
At the shooting range in Kerava, military reservists and firearm enthusiasts navigate an obstacle course, firing powerful Glock handguns at targets shaped like human figures. Member Miikka Kallio, a 38-year-old firefighter, noted the varying motivations for participation: “For some, it’s purely recreational; for others, particularly because of our eastern neighbor’s actions, joining the reserves seemed like a necessary step.”
Finland has a long-standing history of tensions with Russia, a factor integral to its national identity, having gained independence from the Russian Empire in 1917 and successfully resisting a Soviet invasion during the Winter War in the early stages of World War II.
Kettunen likened the skills of shooting to those of swimming, emphasizing that both require proper training and preparation. “When the moment arises where you need these skills, it may be too late if you haven’t learned them,” he concluded, reflecting the urgency many Finns now feel about being prepared for any eventuality.