Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The law is part of a strategy to increase the military reserves to one million by 2031.
Finland’s president, Alexander Stubb, on Monday signed legislation that keeps all citizens liable for military service in the reserve until the age of 65, the Finnish Ministry of Defence announced in a press release.
Previously, reservist obligations ended earlier for most service members, creating limits on how long trained personnel could be called upon in a crisis.
Security rethink
The reform is tied directly to Finland’s broader effort to reinforce its defenses in a more uncertain regional environment.
Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said the goal is to raise the size of Finland’s reserve forces to one million by 2031.
“This and our other measures to bolster our defence signal that Finland ensures its security now and in the future,” he said according to the release, adding that a broad reserve force is the foundation of Finnish national defense.
Who it affects
Under the new law, the upper age limit for reservists rises to 65 from the current thresholds of 50 for enlisted personnel and 60 for non-commissioned officers and officers.
Senior officers holding the ranks of colonel, naval captain, or above will remain in the reserve for as long as they are medically fit for service.
The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, and will apply only to people who are liable for military service on or after that date.
Building numbers
The government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo introduced the legislation as a way to ensure enough trained personnel are available during emergencies, when specialists may be difficult to replace.
Officials describe the measure as a transitional step toward the one-million-reservist target, estimating it will add about 125,000 people to the reserve.
Finland currently has around 870,000 reservists out of a population of roughly 5.5 million, with wartime plans calling for 280,000 active troops supported by reserves.
Finland remains one of the few European states to retain compulsory military service for men after the Cold War.
Sources: Kyiv Post, Finland’s Ministry of Defence
