Finland considers installing anti-tank barriers modelled on Ukraine's along its border with Russia
According to the report, Russia has already begun rebuilding its military capabilities, even as its full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year.
During the war, Ukrainian forces have used extensive defensive lines and anti-tank obstacles to slow the enemy's advance, Välimäki said. With a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, accounting for roughly half of NATO's land border with the country, Finland must determine how structures similar to those used in Ukraine would perform in harsh northern weather conditions.
"Conditions in Finland are more challenging. If we build fortifications and dig anti-tank ditches or obstacles as deep as those in Ukraine, how long does it take before our environment turns them into artificial ponds?" Välimäki said, adding that Russia's efforts to replenish its weapons stockpiles were beginning to show some results.
According to the commander, Finland cannot prevent Russia from rearming. Instead, the goal is to deter Russian forces by convincing their military that an attack would fail.
"Everything we are doing now is about creating a threshold so that Russia does not go any further, whether we are talking about the alliance or Finland," Välimäki said.
These efforts are part of a broader push to strengthen NATO's eastern flank amid the rebuilding of Russia's military capabilities.
Following the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, Finland strengthened its combat readiness and held training exercises for 60,000 reservists over two years. The country is also continuing to develop its conscription system and territorial reserve. In the event of war, Finland's armed forces could mobilize around 280,000 troops.
Finland is currently carrying out a major reform of its Army, which will continue until the end of the 2030s. The reform covers the modernization of equipment, military structure, combat readiness, and the ability to sustain prolonged combat operations.
The lieutenant general stressed that the war in Ukraine has also demonstrated the scale of the aerial and missile threat. According to him, shooting down missiles and drones alone is not enough to ensure defence — it is also important to be able to strike enemy launch systems before they are used.
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- November, 09
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News by day
10 of November 2026
