Under the revised order, a reservist called up in the event of a threat of armed conflict should report with their own shotgun, rifle or pistol and ammunition, as well as a drone and GPS device if they possess such equipment, according to Polish Press Agency (PAP).
Finnish military authorities expanded the list of items linked to mobilization cards after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Previously, the list included clothing, hygiene items and basic camping gear, public broadcaster Yle reported.
“There is enough weaponry and ammunition in military warehouses in the event of war,” the military staff said, but added that if reservists also bring their own weapons, “all national armament resources will be available in the event of a real threat.”
The command stressed that the usefulness of privately owned firearms and drones would be assessed after reservists arrived at their units.
Finland’s military is based on conscription and a broad reserve. Its wartime strength is set at 280,000 soldiers, backed as needed by a reserve force of 870,000.
From the start of 2026, the upper age limit for reservists was raised from 50 to 65, which is projected to increase the size of the reserve to around 1 million after 2030.
Finland is also among the countries with the highest number of registered firearms per capita, with private weapons owned by about one in three people, PAP reported. Most of the roughly 1.5 million licensed firearms are hunting weapons.
(jh)
Source: PAP