Finland is a maritime nation where sea connections have always played an important role. More than one third of our borders are maritime. The majority of our connections with other countries take place by sea or across it. Finland’s maritime character is further emphasized by the concentration of population, business, and administration in the southern and southwestern parts of the country. Ensuring secure sea connections is therefore of utmost importance.
Political changes in the Baltic Sea region have affected the maritime strategic position of all coastal states. The importance of the northern Baltic Sea has increased, placing growing demands on Finland’s defence policy. The commercial and military significance of sea connections is crucial to our well-being and security. This is further highlighted by the location of Finland’s core areas near the Baltic Sea and the responsibility for the defence of the demilitarised Åland Islands in peacetime.
Finland does not possess strategically critical targets, foreign armed forces, or significant natural resources that would in themselves make it a likely target of attack. However, our territory could be used as a transit route against a third party, in which case the Baltic Sea direction is particularly important. The defence of Finland’s coastal and maritime areas and the monitoring of the integrity of its territorial waters are the core tasks of the Navy.
The Navy is an independent branch of the Defence Forces, responsible for the surveillance of our maritime areas, safeguarding their territorial integrity, preventing territorial violations, and protecting the sea lines of communication and maritime traffic vital to Finland. The Navy is specialised in operating in the demanding conditions of coastal and archipelago environments. It also leads national maritime surveillance.
The defence of the Åland Islands, which are demilitarised in peacetime by international agreements, places specific requirements on maritime defence. Although no defensive preparations may be carried out on Åland in peacetime, Finland’s status as an independent state requires that the territorial integrity of the area be safeguarded. This must be taken into account in naval planning and in the development of military equipment.
The aim of naval conscription training is to train and prepare conscripts for military tasks at sea and in coastal areas. Training is divided into naval and coastal forces training. Within the naval forces, training includes deck and engineering specialisations, while coastal forces training covers coastal artillery and coastal infantry. There are nearly 50 different specialisations. Selection into coastal or naval units is usually made already during conscription call-ups.
The Navy consists of a headquarters and six units and institutions. The Archipelago Sea and Gulf of Finland naval defence areas are responsible for training in their respective regions. In addition, the Nyland Brigade in Ekenäs trains coastal troops, coastal jaegers, and mobile coastal artillery. Professional officers and conscripts trained as reserve officers receive most of their education at the Naval Academy in Suomenlinna. The Naval Research Institute specialises in underwater warfare research and the testing of new technologies. Maintenance of naval equipment is handled by the Naval Depot.
The Navy’s organisation and the location of its units
After completing military service, the Navy offers opportunities to continue a professional career in either military or civilian roles. The working environment is demanding, responsible, technical, and international. A career as an officer or in other military positions requires military education, while civilian roles generally require appropriate civilian qualifications, as do specialist officer positions.
More information: www.merivoimat.fi