85% of Finns ready to fight if their country is attacked

The National Defense Information Planning Committee (in Finnish MTS: Maanpuolustustiedotuksen suunnittelukunta) has today released a survey about the opinions of Finns on foreign policy, national defence and security.

One of the main conclusions of the statistical study is that the population's availability to fight in the event of a military crisis is increasing.

In fact, 85% of Finns answered affirmatively to the question: "If we were attacked in Finland, would you be prepared to participate in different national defence tasks according to your abilities and skills?”.

A majority of citizens responded positively even when the question was formulated in a way that painted a crude perspective for the small nation.

"If Finland is attacked, do you think that Finns would have to defend themselves militarily in all situations, even if the outcome seems uncertain?”, Finns answered positively by 68%.

In addition, 65% of Finns (59% in 2018) consider that Finland should maintain its current defence system based on general mandatory military service for men and voluntary military service for women.

Better results than in 2018

According to the survey, people's awareness of the need for national defence has strengthened compared to the previous report, published in December 2018.

Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen said he is pleased with the results of the study.

“I am very glad to know that the young defense will have again risen. The Finnish national defense tradition has traditionally been very strong and of its own in the international arena. This is something that should be safeguarded and continued to be a concern," he explained.