HELSINKI — The Finnish government, led by conservatives, has revealed an extensive plan to boost defense spending from $6.8 billion in 2025 to $11.5 billion in 2032. This proposal has garnered the majority support of the main opposition parties in the Eduskunta, Finland’s parliament, positioning the nation’s annual defense expenditure closer to 3.3% of GDP, surpassing NATO’s 2% guideline.
Finland’s defense spending in 2024 is anticipated to reach about 2.4% of the country’s GDP. The strained political relations between Helsinki and Moscow, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, have contributed to increased political and public backing for augmenting Finland’s investment in national security, as noted by Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen.
Häkkänen emphasized the unpredictable security landscape both in Finland and the region, underscoring the necessity for greater defense and national security investments to bolster the nation’s capabilities in countering multifaceted influence, withstanding military pressure, and combating potential large-scale conflicts that could endure for extended periods. In response, Finland aims to revamp its national defense strategy while progressing with significant ongoing projects within its Air Force and Navy.
The Finnish government presented an updated Defense Report to the Eduskunta on December 19, marking its first report since the country’s NATO accession in April 2023. This report highlights the heightened risks and security challenges posed by Russia, cautioning against the possibility of Russia extending its conflict with Ukraine to neighboring NATO-aligned Baltic countries and EU member states.
The report articulates concerns over Russia’s shift toward a more confrontational stance, characterized by openness, unpredictability, and prolonged hostility towards the West, which is seen as a sustained security peril for Europe and Finland. The surge in Finland’s defense spending can be seen as a natural outcome of its NATO membership, coupled with the increased threat level stemming from Russian military expansionism, according to Pauli Aalto-Setälä, a member of parliament for the National Coalition Party.
Aalto-Setälä described Russia as a bellicose state engaged in aggressive military actions, particularly highlighting the ongoing conflict with its neighbor as a full-scale war. He emphasized the imperative for Finland, in collaboration with NATO and European partners, to respond resolutely to these challenges. Finland’s defense budget has witnessed a notable rise since 2020 when it stood at $3.5 billion. Major acquisitions, such as the $8.8 billion agreement to procure 64 Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters, have contributed to an increase in the defense budget to $6.1 billion in 2023.
The government’s strategic focus on enhancing defense capabilities and fortifying national security underscores Finland’s commitment to addressing evolving security threats and safeguarding its interests in a volatile geopolitical landscape. The proposed surge in defense spending reflects a proactive stance aimed at adapting to emerging security challenges and reinforcing Finland’s defense posture in.
