Why Finland is preparing to defend itself | ABC News In-Depth

Summary

Finland's extensive preparation for potential conflict, driven by its history of invasions, is a testament to its commitment to defense and resilience. The country has built a vast network of underground bunkers, ensuring the safety of its citizens in the event of a crisis. Finland's mandatory conscription and strong military readiness, combined with NATO membership, reflect its determination to protect its sovereignty, particularly against Russia. Despite facing economic challenges, Finnish citizens, especially those near the border, remain resolute in their stance, knowing the importance of being prepared for future threats.

Takeaways

• 😀 Finland has a bomb-proof labyrinth of bunkers 20 meters below Helsinki, capable of sheltering up to 6,000 people at full capacity.
• 😀 Finland’s preparation for defense is deeply rooted in its history, having fought multiple wars against Russia, including the Winter War and World War II.
• 😀 Mandatory conscription and a national military readiness program are crucial parts of Finland's defense strategy, with strong public support for military service.
• 😀 Finland's vast underground shelter network is ready to accommodate up to 900,000 people in Helsinki alone, with additional shelters beneath homes, metro stations, and parking garages.
• 😀 Finns are well-prepared for a variety of crises, not just war, due to their historical experiences with threats from Russia.
• 😀 The country is prepared to convert public spaces like sports halls and parking garages into wartime shelters within 6 to 8 hours in the event of an attack.
• 😀 A recent poll showed 78% of Finns are willing to defend their country with arms, even in uncertain circumstances.
• 😀 Finland's defense system is based on conscription for men and voluntary service for women, with over half of respondents supporting this system.
• 😀 Finland's NATO membership, achieved in 2023, provides additional protection, positioning the country as an influential geopolitical player despite its small size.
• 😀 The economic impact of Finland closing its border with Russia in 2023 has been significant, especially for border communities like Imatra, where tourism and trade have plummeted.
• 😀 Despite economic challenges, there is strong local support for keeping the border with Russia shut until peace is restored in Ukraine, with many locals expressing a desire for long-term security over economic loss.

Q & A

What is the purpose of Finland's underground bunker system?

Finland has a vast network of bomb-proof bunkers designed to protect its population in case of military attacks, nuclear threats, or other crises. These bunkers can house up to 6,000 people in full capacity and are part of the country’s extensive emergency preparedness strategy.

How long would it take to convert civilian spaces into wartime shelters in Helsinki?

By law, Finland has a 72-hour window to convert civilian spaces into wartime shelters. However, in practice, this process can be completed in about 6 to 8 hours across the network of shelters.

How many people can be sheltered in Helsinki’s underground bunkers?

Helsinki has over 5,500 independent shelters capable of housing more than 900,000 people, which is nearly the entire population of the city, ensuring that everyone has access to safe shelter in the event of an emergency.

What does Finland’s strong military preparedness stem from historically?

Finland’s military readiness is deeply rooted in its turbulent history, including past invasions by both the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. The country’s experiences during the Winter War, World War II, and its long border with Russia have ingrained a culture of defense and crisis preparedness.

Why does Finland maintain a mandatory military conscription system?

Finland maintains mandatory conscription for men and voluntary service for women due to its strategic location and historical experience with invasions. The system ensures that a large portion of the population is trained and ready to defend the nation in case of threats.

What percentage of Finns support taking up arms to defend the country?

According to a recent poll, 78% of Finns support taking up arms to defend the country in all situations, even if the outcome is uncertain. This demonstrates the widespread commitment to national defense.

How do Finns feel about Russia as a threat?

While Russia's proximity remains a concern, many Finns feel secure due to their country’s preparedness. Despite the threat, they are confident in their defense capabilities and the country’s readiness for potential crises.

What has Finland's relationship with NATO been since the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Finland joined NATO, strengthening its defense capabilities. This shift was largely motivated by the increased threat from Russia, and NATO membership has provided Finland with additional security and international support.

What is the strategic significance of Finland’s icebreaker ships?

Finland is known for its advanced icebreaker ships, which are crucial for Arctic security. These ships are used for both military and civilian purposes, and Finland recently signed a deal to sell 11 icebreakers to the U.S. to enhance security in the Arctic region.

How has the closure of Finland's border with Russia impacted local communities?

The closure of the border has significantly affected border communities like Imatra, where the loss of Russian tourism has led to economic downturns, job losses, and a quieter atmosphere in the town. Despite this, most locals support the closure for security reasons and believe it should remain in place until peace is restored in Ukraine.