While the age limit is rising to 65 for most people, senior officers, such as Brigadier General Ari Laaksonen, the commander of the Kainuu Brigade, can serve even longer should they wish (Picture: MOD)

Nato

Finland aims to boost reservist numbers to a million - by raising upper age limit

Finland is raising the age limit for reservists from 60 to 65 in an attempt to boost numbers to one million over the next five years.

The move is expected to see an increase of 125,000 people by 2031 - tipping the total number over the million mark.

It means a conscript will stay a reservist, regardless of their rank, until the end of the year in which they turn 65.

The increase will come into effect on New Year's Day.

There will be no upper age limit for officers with the rank of colonel or captain or higher, and they will remain in the reserve as long as they are fit for military service, just as they do now.

The current age limitations in Finland are 60 for officers and non-commissioned officers, but only 50 for other ranks.

Finland currently has around 870,000 reservists - one of the largest reserve forces in Nato.

It joined the alliance in 2023 after the Ukraine-Russia war shifted the country's policy on non-alignment.

Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said: "There will be a five-year transition period, during which the number of reservists will grow by 125,000.

"The number of Finnish reservists will be around one million in 2031. This and our other measures to bolster our defence signal that Finland ensures its security now and in the future."

Finland's neighbour and fellow Nato member Estonia is choosing to stick to its current reservist age limit of 60 - but will be keeping mandatory conscription for men from the age of 18.