Finland is preparing to receive the first US-made F-35A multirole fighters - a type of aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons - within the framework of a large-scale military modernization program.
TASS reported that this information was released by Russian Ambassador to Finland Pavel Kuznetsov, raising new concerns about the risk of military escalation in Northern Europe.
According to the plan, Finland has ordered a total of 64 F-35A fighters from the US. The first ones are expected to begin being delivered this year and continue in the coming years. This aircraft line is designed for many missions, from air superiority to ground attack, and can especially carry nuclear weapons if necessary.
Not only strengthening the air force, Finland is also promoting the comprehensive modernization of its armed forces. According to Russia, Helsinki is building new escort ships equipped with modern NATO weapons, including cruise missiles and torpedoes. At the same time, a army rearmament program is also being implemented, with the purchase of medium-range missile systems and ballistic missiles.
Total defense spending for these plans is estimated to exceed 6 billion euros by 2030.
Russia believes that Finland is entering an "accelerated militarization" phase, despite economic difficulties. According to Ambassador Kuznetsov, NATO's electronic reconnaissance and air reconnaissance activities in Finland are increasing, including regular drone flights along the border with Russia.
He also warned about the increasing trend of confrontational sentiment in Finnish society, as people are warned about the "threat from Russia" and are encouraged to prepare for conflict scenarios. Shelters are being upgraded, while a program to build more shooting ranges for civilians is also being implemented nationwide.
Notably, the reserve enlistment age has been raised to 65, with the goal of expanding the reserve force to about 1 million people in the next few years - a large number compared to the labor population size of this country.
Russia is particularly concerned that Finland - a country that joined NATO in April 2023 - is gradually becoming a "frontline" in the strategy of confrontation between this military alliance and Moscow. According to Russian assessments, Helsinki's militarization moves are unlikely to serve the long-term security interests of the Finnish people themselves.
Another hotspot is the Lapland region in northern Finland - known as the "homeland of Santa Claus" - which is gradually turning into a training ground for NATO troops in Arctic combat conditions. This activity is said to have raised concerns among a part of the local population.
Faced with the above developments, Russia declared that it will closely monitor and take appropriate steps in the military plan to ensure national security. Moscow also believes that Finland's joining NATO has ended its traditional mediating role in international affairs.
