Finnish Group Pushes Higher Defense Spending

[Zebra]

Finnish Group Pushes Higher Defense Spending | Defense News | defensenews.com

Oct. 11, 2014 - 10:32AM |
By GERARD O'DWYER

HELSINKI — The implementation of major structural reforms, coupled with serial budget cuts since 2008, have seriously weakened Finland's capacity to procure essential equipment and fulfill its territorial defense role, according to the Finnish Parliamentary Assessment Working Group's much anticipated final report, "The Long-term Challenges Of Defense."

The report concludes that significant capital investments are urgently needed to revitalize a critically low level of materiel procurement spending and to strengthen the core defense budget in 2015-2020.

The report was presented to Finnish Defense Minister Carl Haglund on Oct. 2.

Specifically, the defense procurement budget will need to find $8 billion to $10 billion between 2016 and 2024 to finance big-ticket modernization programs, including the acquisition of fighter jets, ships, anti-tank weaponry, ground-based air defense systems, ground-to-air missiles and armored vehicles.....

 

[jouni]

This parliamentary group was put together after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. All political parties agree on increased spending, of course all new weaponry must be NATO compatible. Also military doctrine is revised to be able to quickly suppress any unrest at the border areas, the so called "polite green men" action plan. Also new "host nation" agreement with NATO was greeted with wide support. Possibly Finland will join NATO even if Sweden does not.

 

[sgarg]

My advice to Finland is to stay clear of Russia-West dispute.

Finland should stay neutral. That is the best course for your survival.

I am certain that Russia and China will act in unison when push comes to shove. Finland is a small country which cannot stop the bulldozer. It will get crushed.

 

[Zebra]

World Defence News: Finnish Ministry of Defence launches fighter jets fleet replacement process

Monday, 20 October 2014