WILL Russia invade Finland?
This theoretical question sent the Nordic country scrambling to heighten its defense capabilities.
Finland has stored military equipment outside its national borders such as Norway and Sweden, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as the reason for such an urgent decision.
Finland’s deputy chief for armaments and logistics revealed plans to store more weapons in Sweden in the future.
The deputy chief explained that storing equipment in other countries is part of the military’s plan to secure supply and disperse stocks, noting that the initiative could extend to more countries other than Sweden and Norway.
Although the Nordic country is not yet in a war economy mode, it is already preparing its military for such an environment.
With an estimated 5.6 million population, Finland’s stockpiles of major fuels and grains could last for six months and have enough air shelter for its entire population.
It has one of the largest militaries and reservists in Europe as well as a strategic location that makes it a useful ally for NATO.
Finland joined NATO on April 4, 2023, which increased the alliance’s borders with Russia by 830 miles. Finland shares the longest border with Russia compared with any NATO or EU country and has not let its guard down despite the fall of the former Soviet Union in the 1990s.
Its military capability is considered a gold standard and is often approached by other countries for advice on how to improve their preparedness despite being a new member of NATO.
