Finland’s Defense Forces have introduced new guidelines allowing reservists to bring their own firearms, drones, and GPS devices when reporting for duty.
Bringing one’s own weapons is voluntary, and all equipment will be assessed upon arrival. Army officials said “We want to enable bringing one’s own weapon, if one owns a weapon suitable for military use. In this way all resources would be available in a possible emergency.”
The change expands previous mobilization instructions, which primarily covered clothing, hygiene items, and basic camping gear. Military officials emphasized that reservists’ personal equipment can strengthen individual capabilities and support the maintenance of skills, adding that “there is enough weapons and ammunition in military warehouses in case of war, but if reservists also bring their own private weapons to units, then all national weapons resources will be available in the event of a real threat.”
Finland, a country of 5.5 million, has one of the highest civilian gun ownership rates in the world, with roughly one in three adults owning a licensed firearm, mostly hunting rifles and shotguns. The nation’s conscription-based defense system includes mandatory service for men and voluntary service for women, backed by a large reserve force. During wartime, the military is expected to field 280,000 troops, supported by a reserve currently numbering around 900,000, projected to grow to one million by 2030 after raising the upper age limit for reservists.
Last year, Finland announced that starting next year, the maximum age for reservists will increase from 60 to 65, adding approximately 125,000 conscripts over five years. Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said: “The number of Finnish reservists will be around one million in 2031.”
