“They could deploy an army of 200,000 out in no time at all,” A retired U.K. Army General has stated in an interview.
Finland has just over 19,000 active personnel and 238,000 fully trained reserve personnel.
Finland’s 800-mile border with Russia would more than double the length of the alliance’s border with the country.
Finland recently announced its intention to join the NATO alliance.
In a joint statement, Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin said that “Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay”.
But what can Finland, which has previously opted to stay neutral and keep out of NATO for fear of antagonising Russia, offer to NATO?
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that Finland would be “welcomed with open arms to NATO” if the country did apply.
From a military perspective, Finland would offer a large boost to NATO’s northern European assets, not only bringing enhanced capabilities but an increased deterrence in the region.
Finland’s armed forces have already proven themselves highly compatible with NATO member states, frequently working with them on international missions and on exercises such as Exercise Arrow 22.
Dr Ben Wilkinson, the Deputy Director (Defence) at RAND Europe, said: “If Finland joins, I think it might rapidly become one of the most important powers in NATO because of the size of their armed forces.
“And the series of capabilities which NATO would find extremely useful,” he added.
Finland’s 800-mile border with Russia will more than double the length of the alliance’s border with the country.
